Binance has adopted a policy routing most foreign law enforcement requests through the United Arab Emirates and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, a shift that increases response times for user data and marks a departure from the exchange’s prior direct cooperation model.
The policy took effect in April 2025. Under the new approach, foreign law enforcement agencies must route certain requests through MLATs, which provide a formal process for governments to exchange evidence but operate on considerably longer timelines than direct cooperation. Binance continues to respond directly in cases involving child sexual abuse material, terrorism, or imminent threats to life.
The change has drawn concern from U.S. law enforcement. A Justice Department memo warned federal prosecutors handling crypto cases to prepare for less assistance from Binance when seeking to freeze or seize assets. Alona Katz, an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn, framed the stakes plainly: “How fast you get your records determines the outcome of your case.”
At a June law enforcement conference in the Netherlands, police officials from five European countries described difficulties obtaining information from Binance under the new policy. The New York Times first reported the shift on July 28, 2026.
Binance disputed the characterization. A company spokesperson said: “Binance has not slowed its cooperation with global law enforcement. On the contrary, we have increased our cooperation year over year, while navigating the increasing complexity of government approaches to crypto regulation and data protection.”
The company framed the routing through its regulated UAE entity, Abu Dhabi Global Market, as a compliance strengthening. “This is a deliberate strengthening of the controls and safeguards that govern how we cooperate, which is consistent with the standards expected of a regulated institution,” the spokesperson added.
The policy change represents a significant recalibration of Binance’s relationship with law enforcement. Previously, the exchange worked directly with authorities to freeze suspicious accounts and provide user information. The shift to MLAT routing introduces formal governmental intermediaries and extends timelines, particularly for non-emergency investigations.
The move comes as Binance faces ongoing scrutiny over its compliance operations. The Wall Street Journal and Fortune have reported that Binance dismissed compliance employees who investigated transactions allegedly connected to Iran, allegations the company has denied.
