Crypto exchange Binance provided Russian authorities with user data used to charge an IT specialist for transferring $700 to Ukraine-linked groups.
Binance supplied Russian law enforcement with identity and transaction records of Yuri Belenkiy, a Russian IT specialist accused of transferring over $700 in crypto to organizations tied to Ukraine’s military. The data was used in terrorism-financing charges against Belenkiy, who remains detained in Russia awaiting trial.
The exchange exited Russia in 2023 but stated it complies with lawful requests from global agencies under applicable laws and privacy regulations. The case highlights ongoing tensions between crypto platforms and government data requests amid geopolitical conflicts.
No immediate market reaction was reported, though the disclosure may raise concerns over user privacy and regulatory compliance in the crypto sector.