Binance Shared User Data With Russia, Case Shows

The Russian Investigative Committee announced prosecutions the following month. Belenkiy faces charges of financing terrorism. Russian authorities consider that part of the money was meant to support groups fighting alongside Ukraine. The transfers made from Binance are part of the case's evidence. Investigators also asked the exchange for information about other users who sent funds to one of the addresses published by Babchenko.

It is unclear whether Binance handed over those identities. Belenkiy remains detained awaiting trial. Binance continues to enforce sanctions imposed on certain Russian platforms and companies. The exchange recently tightened restrictions on several crypto services linked to Russia.

Binance's cooperation with Russian law enforcement follows its official procedures, according to the exchange. Binance says it cooperates with law enforcement in countries where it receives requests compliant with applicable rules. The exchange also says it does not decide the prosecutions later initiated against concerned users.

Belenkiy held a Bulgarian residence permit. If he had registered his Binance account as a European Union resident, the transfer of his data to Russia could raise questions under GDPR. The declared residence on his account is not known. The case illustrates the information Binance keeps after identity verification. Its KYC process can associate an account with a real identity and official documents.