Binance Hands Over Data on Accused Crypto Terrorist Supporter to Russian Authorities
Binance delivered personal information about a Russian citizen to the Russian authorities last year, despite claiming to have exited the market in 2023. The data included transaction history and personal details of Yuri Belenkiy, who is accused of financing terrorism by sending cryptocurrencies to organizations linked to Ukraine.
According to documents from the Russian Investigative Committee, Binance provided information identifying Belenkiy as the user who made cryptocurrency transfers to an address disseminated by exiled journalist Arkady Babchenko. The transactions totaled over $700 between 2023 and 2024, with Russian authorities claiming they were intended for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Azov group.
Belenkiy is currently in pre-trial detention in Russia awaiting trial. Memorial has identified him as a political prisoner and highlights the controversy surrounding his arrest and alleged activities.