Binance Shares User Data with Russian Authorities Despite Exiting Market

Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has come under scrutiny after providing Russian authorities with details of a Russian IT specialist who was later charged with terrorism financing.

The case involves Yuri Belenkiy, a 49-year-old Russian citizen living in Bulgaria, who was accused of sending over $700 to Ukrainian military and the Azov Brigade or Azov Regiment, which Moscow designates as a terrorist organisation.

Russian investigators requested Binance's transaction history for Belenkiy and received information that identified him as the person who sent cryptocurrency to wallets associated with Ukrainian fundraising campaigns promoted by exiled Kremlin critic Arkady Babchenko.

Binance provided details including Belenkiy's date of birth, address, telephone number, passport details, copies of his Russian passport, and Bulgarian residency permit.