Binance Hands Over Russian Client Data to Authorities Amid Controversy

Crypto exchange Binance is at the center of a controversy over its handling of client data in Russia. In 2025, the company provided Russian law enforcement with information on donations made by a Russian citizen to fundraising campaigns in Ukraine.

The transaction trail has become central to a politically sensitive case against IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy, who was charged in Russia with financing terrorism. According to investigative documents, Russian authorities sent Binance a request for Belenkiy's transaction history, and the exchange provided information about cryptocurrency transfers to Ukrainian organizations.

Belenkiy, 49, holds a Russian passport and a residence permit in Bulgaria and is being held in a Russian prison awaiting trial. His lawyer did not respond to questions about the case or Binance's role in the investigation.