Binance provided Russian authorities with personal and transaction details of a client that were later used to bring terrorism financing charges linked to cryptocurrency donations supporting Ukraine. The information comes from an exclusive Reuters investigation based on law enforcement documents.
The case involves a Russian IT specialist accused of sending more than $700 to Ukrainian-related causes.
The Drivers of This Activity
According to documents reviewed by Reuters, Binance responded to requests from Russian investigators in 2025 by supplying identity information and transaction records belonging to Yuri Belenkiy. The data included his date of birth, address, telephone number, passport details, a copy of his Russian passport and a Bulgarian residency permit, along with confirmation of transfers to a cryptocurrency wallet.
Russian authorities alleged that Belenkiy sent more than $700 between early 2023 and March 2024 to wallets associated with Ukrainian military fundraising campaigns, including those promoted by exiled critic Arkady Babchenko for medical equipment. Moscow designates certain Ukrainian units, such as the Azov formation, as terrorist organisations. Belenkiy was detained in September 2025 and remains in custody facing terrorism financing charges.
Binance had publicly stated in 2023 that it had fully exited the Russian market. The company maintains it cooperates with lawful requests from authorities.
Impact and Broader Context
The disclosure raises questions about how cryptocurrency platforms handle data requests from jurisdictions they claim to have left, particularly when the information is used in politically sensitive cases involving support for Ukraine. Rights groups tracking similar prosecutions note that dozens of Russians have faced charges for crypto donations to Ukrainian causes.
Critics argue that providing detailed personal data after an announced market exit may conflict with data-protection obligations in other regions. Supporters of compliance frameworks stress that platforms routinely respond to formal law-enforcement requests where they have residual legal exposure or technical capability.
Further reporting, any official response from Binance, and developments in Belenkiy’s case will shape the ongoing discussion around crypto exchanges’ obligations in cross-border enforcement matters.
Source: Reuters; crypto.news
Reuters exclusive investigation