Russian Terror Financing Probe Used Client Information From Binance: Report
The cryptocurrency exchange allegedly furnished Russian law enforcement with user information that was subsequently utilized in criminal proceedings involving terrorism-financing allegations related to contributions made to Ukrainian organizations.
The cryptocurrency exchange Binance allegedly handed over transaction histories and identifying details of a user who stands accused of financing acts of terrorism through cryptocurrency contributions made to Ukrainian fundraising initiatives, according to reports.
Law enforcement officials in Russia utilized data furnished by Binance as incriminating evidence in the case against IT professional Yuri Belenkiy, who was taken into custody in September 2025 and remains in detention while awaiting his trial in Russia, based on law enforcement documentation examined by Reuters.
According to allegations made by Russia's Investigative Committee, Belenkiy transferred cryptocurrency valued at more than $700 during the period spanning January 2023 through March 2024 to Ukrainian military forces and to a prohibited organization that Reuters identified as the entity known at various points as the Azov Brigade and the Azov Regiment.
The examination conducted by Reuters revealed that Russian law enforcement officials submitted requests to Binance for Belenkiy's complete transaction history and obtained data connecting him to these cryptocurrency transfers, in addition to obtaining his date of birth, residential address, telephone number and passport identification number. The materials provided in response also contained photocopies of his Russian passport documentation and his Bulgarian residency permit.
The cryptocurrency exchange Binance publicly announced a complete withdrawal from Russia in September 2023, divesting its local operations to CommEX.
A representative speaking on behalf of Binance refused to provide commentary regarding specific confidential requests from law enforcement agencies or matters involving individual cases.
Binance does not make or enforce the laws of any jurisdiction, determine charges, or decide how any government uses information in legal proceedings. Like other global financial institutions, we cooperate with lawful information requests from law enforcement globally, subject to applicable legal, privacy and regulatory requirements.
Binance spokesperson to Cointelegraph