Binance Sells Out Customer's Crypto Data to Russian Authorities

Binance handed over personal and transaction data of Yuri Belenkiy, a Russian IT specialist, to Russian authorities in 2023. The information was used as evidence against him for allegedly financing terrorism by sending cryptocurrencies to organizations linked to Ukraine.

The request from the Russian Investigative Committee included Belenkiy's transaction history and personal details such as his date of birth, address, phone number, passport number, and copies of his Russian passport and Bulgarian residence permit. According to the documents examined by Reuters, the transactions totaled more than $700 between 2023 and 2024.

Russian authorities claim that the money was intended for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Azov group, considered a terrorist organization by Russia. Binance rejects claims that it is up to the company to decide on the legality of investigations, stating that it cooperates with legal requests from authorities while respecting applicable privacy and regulatory obligations.