Binance Charity Gift Sparks Malta Political Rift

October 21 2025 : A $33 million crypto donation from Binance Charity has ignited political and ethical debate in Malta after the government-run Malta Community Chest Fund refused the funds due to reputational concerns.

Background on the Binance Donation

Binance and its users donated 30,644 BNB tokens (≈ $200,000 at the time) to the Malta Community Chest Fund in 2018 to help cancer patients.
By 2025, the tokens’ value exceeded $33 million.

However, Binance Charity required recipient verification through wallet addresses and patient data a request rejected by Maltese officials over privacy and compliance concerns. Without that data, Binance declined to finalize the donation.

Political Fallout in Malta

The standoff has drawn sharp political reactions. Finance Minister Caruana supported rejecting the funds. President Myriam Spiteri Debono called it a “bogus donation,” questioning Binance’s intentions and reputation.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, however, urged compromise, stating, “It upsets me that a sum like that could be lost.”

Opposition leader Alex Borg and several MPs echoed Abela’s view, arguing the donation could ease healthcare funding pressure.

The dispute has since turned into a broader argument over crypto ethics vs. pragmatism in Maltese politics.

Ongoing Dispute and Implications

Binance maintains it only sought transparency to ensure direct aid delivery. Malta’s charity foundation insists its refusal protects patient confidentiality and upholds standards for all donors.

Analysts suggest the clash reflects Malta’s shifting relationship with the crypto sector, once eager to brand itself a “Blockchain Island,” but now wary amid global scrutiny of Binance’s operations.