Binance Transfer Leads to Russian IT Specialist's Detention for Alleged Terrorist Support

Russian IT specialist Yuri Belyenky was detained after an investigation into cryptocurrency transfers via Binance revealed that he transferred funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a Russian-recognized terrorist organization.

The transfer, which occurred from January 2023 to March 2024, exceeded $700. In autumn 2025, Belyenky was detained and remanded in custody for allegedly aiding terrorist activities.

According to Reuters, the Russian law enforcement agency requested Binance's assistance in obtaining Belyenky's transaction history from the exchange. The information obtained was then included in the criminal case materials.

Binance stated that it cooperates with law enforcement agencies within legal requests but does not determine how authorities use the transmitted information. The company announced its withdrawal from Russia in September 2023, which raises questions about its obligation to respond to such a request after ceasing operations in the country.