Binance Handed Russian Authorities Yuri Belenkiy’s Crypto Donations Evidence for Ukraine Terrorism Charges

Binance data in case

Reuters said the Russian Investigative Committee alleged in October that Belenkiy, detained in September 2025, sent more than $700 to the Ukrainian military and an associated group known at different times as the Azov Brigade and the Azov Regiment, which Moscow designates as a terrorist organisation.

Reuters reported that Binance told it the exchange “cooperate[s] with lawful information requests from law enforcement globally,” while also saying it had fully exited Russia in 2023.

The case file described by Reuters was obtained by The First Department, which provides legal support to people in Russia being prosecuted in political cases, and Reuters said it could not independently confirm how the NGO received the documents.

CoinDesk, citing Reuters, said Binance identified Belenkiy as the source of transfers worth more than $700 and that he remains in jail awaiting trial.

Binance disputes, GDPR questioned

Reuters reported that Mike Bystrov, founder of law firm Stellar Consulting that advises on crypto regulation, said Binance may have had an obligation not to provide the data under European Union data protection law.

Reuters also quoted a Binance spokesperson saying, “Binance does not make or enforce the laws of any jurisdiction, determine charges, or decide how any government uses information in legal proceedings.”