Binance Accused of Handing Over User Data to Russian Authorities

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been accused of providing Russia with personal data of one of its users who allegedly donated to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. According to Reuters, Binance handed over information on Russian national Yury Belenky, who was accused by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation of donating more than $700 to the 'Azov' regiment.

The exchange stated in 2023 that it had completely withdrawn from Russia, but this incident raises questions about its compliance with local authorities. While Binance complies with lawful requests for customer information from law enforcement agencies in countries where they operate, human rights defenders have expressed concerns about the implications of such cooperation.

Over the past few years, several dozen people in Russia who made cryptocurrency donations to Ukrainian causes were prosecuted and convicted. The 'Azov' regiment stated that it does not disclose donors' names, but Belenky's case has sparked controversy over Binance's role in providing personal data to Russian authorities.

Belenky is currently in a Russian prison awaiting trial, holding both a Russian passport and a Bulgarian residence permit.