Crypto▼ Bearish
Binance Gave Russia Data Used in Ukraine Donation Case
Reuters reported that Binance gave Russian investigators identity documents and crypto transaction records used in a terrorism financing case against an IT specialist who donated to Ukraine's military. The exchange complied after its announced exit from Russia.
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Binance provided Russian investigators with identity documents and cryptocurrency transaction records later used in a terrorism financing case against Russian IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy, according to an Aug. 17 Reuters investigation.
The records reportedly included Belenkiy's address, telephone number, date of birth, passport and Bulgarian residency permit. Russian authorities incorporated details of his Binance transactions into evidence supporting the criminal charge.
Belenkiy, 49, is accused of transferring more than $700 in cryptocurrency to organizations connected with Ukraine's military. He remains detained in Russia while awaiting trial. Neither his lawyer nor Russian authorities responded to Reuters' questions about Binance's reported role.
Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that Russia's Investigative Committee sent Binance a request for Belenkiy's transaction history. The exchange reportedly responded with a data file confirming that he initiated transfers to a cryptocurrency wallet promoted by exiled Kremlin critic Arkady Babchenko.
Babchenko had published wallet addresses while raising money for medical equipment for Ukrainian soldiers. Russian investigators allege that Belenkiy made payments between January 2023 and March 2024 following those appeals.
The Investigative Committee also accused him of sending funds to a group associated with the Azov Brigade, which operates within Ukraine's National Guard. Russia designates Azov as a terrorist organization. Other jurisdictions do not necessarily share Moscow's classification.
Reuters said it reviewed an interim case outline sent to the Russian prosecutor general's office. The document cited the Binance transaction records among the grounds for bringing terrorism financing charges.
The First Department, a legal support organization assisting defendants in politically sensitive Russian cases, obtained the documents from one of Belenkiy's relatives. Reuters said it could not independently confirm how the organization received them.
Binance declined to discuss the confidential request or Belenkiy's individual case. The exchange said it routinely cooperates with law enforcement bodies under applicable rules.
"Like other global financial institutions, we cooperate with lawful information requests from law enforcement globally, subject to applicable legal, privacy and regulatory requirements," Binance said.
The company added that it does not create national laws, determine criminal charges or control how governments use information in court proceedings. Binance said those decisions rest with the relevant authorities.
An official Binance page instructs Russian and Belarusian law enforcement agencies to send requests to [email protected]. Reuters reported that Russian investigators received two replies from that address.
The page says Binance provides information and support as required by law. It does not explain which Binance entity handles Russian requests, which national law governs each disclosure or how the exchange evaluates requests involving possible political prosecutions.
Binance announced in September 2023 that it would fully exit Russia through its sale to CommEX. The company said operating there was incompatible with its compliance strategy.