Binance Accused of Handing Over Data on Russian IT Specialist to Investigators
Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has been embroiled in controversy after providing Russian investigators with data on Yuri Belenkiy, a Russian IT specialist accused of terrorism financing.
According to an investigation by Reuters, Binance handed over identity documents and cryptocurrency transaction records for Belenkiy in 2025. The information was used as evidence against him in a case where he is accused of sending more than $700 in cryptocurrency to Ukraine-linked organizations between January 2023 and March 2024.
Russian authorities claim that Belenkiy's transactions were made to groups associated with the Azov Brigade, which operates within Ukraine's National Guard. Russia designates Azov as a terrorist organization, although other jurisdictions do not necessarily share this classification.
Binance has maintained that it complies with lawful global information requests under applicable privacy and regulatory requirements. The company stated that it does not create national laws or determine criminal charges, but rather provides information to law enforcement bodies when required by law.