Two employees of Binance were detained by authorities in the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks, as the police conducted investigations into suspected financial crimes involving the cryptocurrency exchange, according to four individuals with knowledge of the situation.
Staff questioned, then released by UAE authorities
Sources indicated that both employees were stopped at airports in the Emirates. Although the precise nature of the UAE’s investigation remains unclear, Binance stated that only a small number of staff were approached as part of what it described as “routine inquiries into third-party fund flows.”
Binance emphasized that none of its staff members were the target of any official probe, and that all those interviewed were later cleared and released without charges.
Binance reported that staff “were asked to provide statements as part of routine inquiries into third-party fund flows” and confirmed that “all were cleared and released.”
UAE as a strategic base for Binance
Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has spent several years positioning the UAE as a central hub for its global operations. Its licensed entities are based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a prominent financial free zone in the UAE. The company reportedly employs about 1,000 people in the country.
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AAPLIn March 2025, Abu Dhabi state investor MGX invested $2 billion in Binance. This investment is notable not only as the largest single investment ever made in a crypto company but also as the largest transaction ever settled using stablecoins.
Mini dictionary: Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi with its own regulatory framework, aims to attract international financial services firms and promote the UAE as a global financial hub.
| Year | Investor | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | MGX (Abu Dhabi) | $2 billion | Stablecoin investment |
Law enforcement cooperation changes and regulatory pressures
In July, the New York Times also reported that Binance had updated its procedures in April 2025, directing most foreign law enforcement inquiries through the UAE government and mutual legal assistance treaties, rather than responding directly to requests. Law enforcement officials from five European nations shared at a June meeting in the Netherlands that this new approach reportedly slowed cross-border investigations into fraudulent activities and money laundering.
Incidents involving the detention of Binance employees are not unprecedented. In February 2024, two executives were held by Nigerian authorities during a government crackdown on the exchange. Among them was Tigran Gambaryan, who leads Binance’s financial crime compliance and spent several months in custody prior to his release.
After founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to US anti-money-laundering violations in 2023, Binance has worked to rebuild its regulatory image and operational stability worldwide amid heightened scrutiny.
Company milestones and ongoing oversight
Binance recently celebrated its ninth anniversary, claiming 323 million registered users globally. Efforts to strengthen regulatory ties, particularly in key jurisdictions such as the UAE, remain a focus as the exchange seeks to stabilize after years of facing scrutiny in different countries.
