Binance Changed One Rule. Police Say It Could Cost Them the Race Against Crypto Scammers

By Isaac • July 28, 2026 1:33 pm •

Binance changed a consequential rule for overseas criminal investigations in April 2025. Most foreign law-enforcement requests for user information now travel through government-to-government channels involving the United Arab Emirates before the exchange responds.

Three categories can still receive a direct response: child sexual abuse material, terrorism, and an imminent threat to life. Binance says the controls have not slowed its cooperation and says its work with law enforcement increased year over year.

Police and prosecutors cited in current reporting argue that the added treaty route can cost investigators critical time as suspected scammers move crypto. That is a reported criticism, not an adjudicated finding that Binance designed the policy to aid criminals or stopped cooperating.