Binance Shared Client Details with Moscow, Used to Charge Russian Over Ukraine Donations: Reuters
Reuters says Binance gave Russian authorities identity documents and transaction records that were used to charge a Russian IT specialist with financing terrorism.
- On Monday, August 17, 2026, a Reuters investigation revealed that Binance provided Russian Authorities with identity and transaction records used as evidence in terrorism financing charges against Russian IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy.
- Russian investigators alleged that Belenkiy sent more than $700 in cryptocurrency to Ukrainian military groups, including the Azov Brigade, following online appeals by exiled Kremlin critic Arkady Babchenko.
- Belenkiy, a 49-year-old with a Russian passport and Bulgarian residency, remains detained in a Russian jail awaiting trial; Binance maintains it fully exited Russia in 2023.
- Lawyer Mike Bystrov suggested Binance may have violated European Union data protection laws, as Russia is not recognized by the EU as having adequate data protection safeguards under GDPR.
- A Binance spokesperson said the exchange cooperates with lawful requests from law enforcement globally, stating it does not "determine charges, or decide how any government uses information in legal proceedings.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, transmits information to Russian law enforcement agencies about users who transfer crypto assets to support Ukraine.
Donations to the Ukrainian Armed Forces turn into a criminal case as Binance hands over client’s data to Russia
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has provided Russian law enforcement with the personal data and transaction history of IT specialist Yuriy Belenkyi. In Russia, he is accused of financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the "Azov" regiment. According to the Russian human rights group "Perviy Otdel," the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation received a detailed report from Binance on Belenkyi's account. Since 2015, Belenkyi had b…
Binance Gave Russia A Client's Data. It Was Used To Bring Terrorism Charges Over Ukraine Donations.
Binance says it fully exited Russia in 2023, but documents show the crypto giant later provided Russian investigators with detailed information about a customer who donated to Ukrainian-linked causes.
Binance Kryptonian Exchange has handed over personal data and transactions to Russian Silovists by IT specialist Yu...
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