A Reuters investigation revealed that Binance handed over user data and crypto transaction records to Russian authorities, which were then used to bring terrorism financing charges against a Russian IT specialist who donated to Ukrainian military causes.
According to law enforcement documents obtained by the human rights group The First Department, the data shared by Binance directly linked Yuri Belenkiy to crypto transfers totaling over $700 sent to Ukrainian fundraising campaigns. Belenkiy was detained by Russian authorities in September 2025 and remains in prison awaiting trial.
Law enforcement documents reveal that cryptocurrency exchange Binance provided Russian authorities with the personal and transaction records of a user who donated to Ukraine, leading to terrorism financing charges. The data disclosure has raised questions regarding compliance obligations and data privacy regulations for European residents following the exchange’s stated exit from the Russian market. Read the full story at Reuters.
