Binance Cooperation with Law Enforcement May Slow, Prosecutors Warned

Binance has adopted a policy that routes most foreign law enforcement requests through the United Arab Emirates and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), a move that European investigators and U.S. prosecutors warn is making it harder to track scammers, combat money laundering, and quickly freeze or seize assets. The New York Times reported that the change, implemented in April 2025, frustrates investigators who previously received more direct cooperation from the exchange.

While Binance still responds directly in cases involving child sexual abuse, terrorism, or imminent threats to life, other requests are now subject to longer government-to-government coordination processes through MLATs. Alona Katz, an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn, noted that the speed of record retrieval is critical to case outcomes.

Binance, however, insists that it has not reduced cooperation with authorities. A spokesperson stated that the company has increased cooperation year over year and that the new procedures represent a deliberate strengthening of controls and safeguards, consistent with regulated institutions. The exchange also highlighted its ongoing commitment to assisting law enforcement beyond legal obligations.