Binance gave Russian authorities crypto donor data used in terrorism case

Binance provided Russian authorities with details of cryptocurrency donations to Ukrainian fundraising campaigns in 2025, according to law enforcement documents.

Originally reported on Monday, the disclosure comes nearly three years after Binance announced it had fully exited Russia.

Russian authorities have prosecuted dozens of people for supporting causes that Moscow later classified as extremist or terrorist. Reuters could not determine the exact number of prosecutions and convictions tied to cryptocurrency donations.

In September 2025, Russian authorities detained IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy, a Russian citizen who holds a Bulgarian residency permit. Subsequently, Russia’s Investigative Committee accused the 49-year-old of sending more than USD$700 to Ukraine’s military and an associated organization.

The group has operated under names including the Azov Brigade and Azov Regiment. Moscow designates it as a terrorist organization.

The Binance records were included in evidence against Belenkiy, according to the law enforcement documents that Reuters reviewed for its investigation. Additionally, Belenkiy remains in a Russian jail while awaiting trial.

The case raises questions about what obligations Binance retained toward Russian authorities after leaving the country. Mike Bystrov, founder of crypto-regulation law firm Stellar Consulting, said Binance had no obligation to provide the information to Russian authorities.