Binance to face stricter DOJ cooperation after internal memo warns of reduced assistance

The U.S. Justice Department issued an internal memo in July 2026 telling crypto prosecutors to expect less cooperation from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The memo says the firm will stop providing “courtesy” account freezes and will require formal Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) before freezing or seizing accounts, a process that can take weeks.

The shift follows a monitoring regime that began in May 2024 after Binance pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations. The DOJ monitoring is set to run for three to six years, potentially ending by 2027, with Treasury oversight continuing thereafter.

Binance has publicly denied that it plans to reduce its cooperation with U.S. law‑enforcement agencies, stating that its compliance practices remain unchanged.