Reuters: Binance Shared a Client’s Data With Russian Authorities in a Case Involving Donations in Support of Ukraine

• Reuters reported that Binance handed over to Russian authorities the data of DiHouse IT director Yuri Belenky. He is accused of financing terrorism over donations in support of the Ukrainian military.
• Belenky was detained and has been held in custody since September 2025.
• At the same time, according to lawyers, the exchange may not have had to do so, as it had exited Russia.

In 2025, crypto exchange Binance provided Russian authorities with personal data and the transaction history of its client — DiHouse IT director Yuri Belenky, Reuters reported, citing investigative materials. The information obtained later became part of the evidence base in a terrorism financing case over transfers in support of Ukraine, the agency writes.

Note that Belenky was detained in September 2025 at Sheremetyevo Airport on hooliganism charges. Later, the charge was changed to “financing terrorism.”

As the human rights group “First Department” noted, Belenky was initially accused of six transfers totaling 742.26 USDT in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Azov Regiment. The funds allegedly went to a crypto wallet belonging to journalist Arkady Babchenko.

According to the organization, later — after Binance data was obtained — the amount and number of transfers increased to 15 transactions and 1,680.69 USDT. The case file also added tranches from Belenky to the Ukrainian organization “Sprava Hromad” and to the Kuna exchange.

Binance provided Belenky’s full account trading history, as well as his personal data — a passport scan, a Bulgarian residence permit, photos, and other materials, “First Department” said.

Babchenko himself, who lives in Estonia, said that he did not receive donations from Belenky, or from Russian residents in general.

According to a statement by Mike Bystrov, founder of law firm Stellar Consulting, quoted by Reuters, Binance was not required to provide this data because it had exited Russia. In addition, Belenky is an EU citizen and therefore falls under data protection law.

The European Data Protection Board — EDPB — explicitly clarifies that a request or decision by a public authority of a third country, by itself, cannot automatically serve as a legal basis for transferring European personal data. As a rule, an appropriate international legal mechanism or another legal basis is required, and exceptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“Binance does not enact or enforce the laws of any jurisdiction, does not determine charges, and does not decide how any government uses information in legal proceedings. Like other global financial institutions, we cooperate with law enforcement agencies worldwide in response to lawful information requests, subject to applicable legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements. These decisions are made solely by the relevant authorities,” Binance told to Incrypted.

When Did Binance Leave Russia?

The exchange stopped operating in this market after selling its business to CommEX in late September 2023. The latter shut down in March 2024. At the same time, Binance itself was suspected of continuing to serve clients from Russia. 

On this topic, Incrypted has an interview with Kirill Khomyakov, Binance’s regional head for Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. 

On Crypto Regulation in Ukraine, Binance’s Exit from Russia, and Meme Coins: An Interview with Kyrylo Khomiakov

01.11.2024

Read now

Сообщение Reuters: Binance Shared a Client’s Data With Russian Authorities in a Case Involving Donations in Support of Ukraine появились сначала на INCRYPTED.