Binance Accused of Handing Over Client Data to Russian Authorities

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been accused of handing over client details to Russian authorities. The information was used to charge a Russian IT specialist with terrorism financing charges in connection with donations made to Ukrainian fundraising campaigns.

The case involves Yuri Belenkiy, who was detained in September 2025 and is now awaiting trial in a Russian jail. According to law enforcement documents seen by Reuters, Binance provided details of cryptocurrency transactions made by Belenkiy between January 2023 and March 2024 to the Investigative Committee in Russia.

Belinkey allegedly sent over $700 to Ukrainian military organizations, including the Azov Regiment, which Moscow designates as a terrorist organization. The documents show that Binance responded to a request from Russian law enforcement officials for Belenkiy's transaction history, sending details of his crypto transfers to the Investigative Committee.

Binance has said it was not obligated to provide the data, having fully exited Russia in 2023 due to Western sanctions. However, lawyers say Binance may have had an obligation under European Union data protection law not to disclose the information without a court order.