Binance Cooperates with Russian Authorities on Ukrainian Donations Case

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, handed over client data to Russian authorities last year, which was used as evidence to charge a Russian IT specialist with terrorism financing. The data was linked to cryptocurrency donations made to Ukrainian fundraising campaigns that Moscow had designated as extremist or terrorist organizations.

The case involves Yuri Belenkiy, an IT specialist who was detained in September 2025 for sending over $700 to the Azov Brigade and the Azov Regiment, groups that Russia considers terrorist organizations. Binance had quit Russia in 2023, and under European Union data protection law, it may not have been obligated to provide the data.

However, a spokesperson for Binance stated that the company cooperates with lawful information requests from law enforcement globally, subject to applicable legal, privacy, and regulatory requirements. The relevant authorities ultimately decide how any government uses information in legal proceedings.