Binance Reroutes Police Requests Through UAE, Slowing 5 European Crime Probes

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 28

Five European police forces said Binance’s policy change has made customer-data requests far harder, hindering investigations into scams and money laundering.
Since April last year, Binance has required certain law-enforcement requests to go through foreign governments under treaty processes, with many routed to the United Arab Emirates, where the exchange is regulated.
Investigators said the shift sharply slowed response times except in cases involving child sexual abuse material, terrorism or imminent threats to life; a senior compliance staff exodus also stymied some probes.
Binance said it has not reduced cooperation and that the policy is meant to comply with privacy and regulatory rules while handling users’ personal data.
The change marks a reversal from Binance’s earlier cleanup effort, when it worked more directly with authorities after years of legal troubles.