Binance provided data to Russia in terrorism financing case

Binance supplied Russian investigators with identity documents and cryptocurrency transaction records used in a terrorism financing case against Yuri Belenkiy. The Russian Investigative Committee requested Belenkiy's transaction history, and Binance responded with a data file confirming transfers to a wallet promoted by exiled critic Arkady Babchenko. Babchenko had shared wallet addresses to raise funds for medical equipment for Ukrainian soldiers. Investigators allege Belenkiy made payments from January 2023 to March 2024 in response to these appeals. He is also accused of sending funds to a group linked to the Azov Brigade, designated as a terrorist organization by Russia. An interim case outline reviewed by Reuters cited Binance's transaction records as grounds for terrorism financing charges. Binance declined to comment on the request or Belenkiy's case but stated it cooperates with law enforcement as required. In September 2023, Binance announced its exit from Russia through a sale to CommEX, citing compliance strategy conflicts. Belenkiy, holding a Russian passport and Bulgarian residency, remains in detention pending trial, with no trial date announced.

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