Binance Accused of Handing Over User Data to Russian Security Services

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has found itself at the center of controversy after handing over user data to Russian security services. The move has resulted in the trial of IT specialist Yuri Belenky, who is accused of financing terrorism by donating to Ukraine's armed forces.

Belenky, a Bulgarian resident, had been living in Bulgaria since 2015 and regularly traveled back to Russia. In September 2025, he was detained at Sheremetyevo Airport on charges of minor hooliganism before being charged with financing terrorism.

The Investigative Committee reported that between January 2023 and March 2024, Belenky transferred over 60,000 rubles in cryptocurrency to accounts whose details were circulated online by blogger Arkady Babchenko. According to the agency, the funds went to Ukraine's armed forces and an organization designated as a terrorist group.

Binance provided Binance with a file containing detailed information about Belenky's account history, including his personal data, passport scans, and cryptocurrency transactions. The exchange had initially been asked for information on six clients who sent funds to the wallet address published by Babchenko, but after providing the report, investigators attributed nine additional transfers to Belenky, bringing the total to 15.