In a recent controversy shaking the crypto world, Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges, is under fire for allegedly seizing funds from Palestinian users. This issue has been brought to the forefront by Ray Youssef, co-founder of Paxful and CEO of Noones, who claims that Binance acted on a request from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to freeze Palestinian accounts. The situation has sparked outrage and confusion among users and observers alike, prompting Binance to address these serious allegations.
Allegations of Widespread Seizures
Ray Youssef’s August 26 report alleged that Binance had confiscated all cryptocurrency funds held by Palestinians, based on a directive from Israeli authorities. He warned that if these actions are not contested, similar measures could be extended to users in neighboring countries like Lebanon and Syria. The claim cites a letter from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which reportedly instructed the exchange to block these accounts as part of anti-terrorism efforts.
Israeli Ministry of Defense Involvement
The letter from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, dated November 2023 and signed by Paul Landes of the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing, reportedly justified the seizure under anti-terrorism laws. It stated that cryptocurrencies transferred by terrorist organizations should be classified as their property, thus making them subject to confiscation. This legal framework aims to curb terrorism financing by restricting access to illicit funds.
Binance’s Denial and Clarification
Moving on, Binance has strongly refuted the claim that it seized funds from all Palestinian users. According to the exchange, only a small number of accounts were restricted, specifically those associated with illicit activities. Binance emphasized that it adheres to international sanctions and regulations, asserting that the restrictions were in line with legal obligations. The exchange has not provided further details about the number of accounts affected or the timing of the restrictions.
Binance’s Stance on Regional Peace
In its response, a spokesperson for Binance reiterated the company’s commitment to adhering to international laws and expressed hope for lasting peace in the region. The exchange’s response underscores its stance on regulatory compliance while addressing the ongoing concerns about its actions.
Amidst its ongoing tussle with the U.S. regulatory body, it is quite evident that Binance is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to identify and prevent any illicit activities on its platform. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust and trustworthy cryptocurrency market for all users worldwide.
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