Full Breakdown
Binance Shares Donor Data with Russian Authorities Amid Ongoing EU Sanctions
8/17/2026, 9:54:07 PM
Binance Shares Donor Data with Russian Authorities
On August 17, Reuters reported that Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, supplied Russian investigators with personal and transaction information linked to a customer’s crypto donations to Ukrainian fundraising campaigns. The data were later cited as evidence in a Russian terrorism-financing case against Russian IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy (also spelled Yury Belenky), who was detained in September 2025. Documents reviewed by Reuters show that Binance handed over the donor’s address, phone number, passport details and Bulgarian residency permit, despite the exchange’s 2023 announcement that it had fully exited the Russian market.
Context: Crypto Donations and Russian Legal Actions
Human-rights monitors note that, over recent years, Russian citizens have used cryptocurrency platforms to send funds to groups later designated by Moscow as extremist or terrorist. While the exact number of prosecutions is unclear, several dozen individuals have faced charges for such transfers. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation alleged that Belenkiy transferred more than $700 to the Ukrainian military’s First Corps of the National Guard, known as “Azov,” a group Russia classifies as a terrorist organization.
Official Statements & Responses
The Russian Investigative Committee stated that the data provided were essential to the terrorism-financing case against Belenkiy, who remains in a Russian prison awaiting trial.
Criticism & Legal Concerns
Mike Bystrov, founder of Stellar Consulting, argued that Binance was not obligated to furnish the data after exiting Russia and that doing so might breach European Union data-protection rules. He suggested the exchange could have been prohibited from sharing the information under EU law.
Upcoming EU Sanctions on Binance
The European Union has begun restricting Binance’s ability to process transactions with crypto platforms linked to Russia. The first set of restrictions took effect on August 13, with a further round scheduled for August 23. Binance is expected to lose its authorization to serve EU customers starting next month when its license application is rejected.
