Binance Executive Has Some Charges Dropped by Nigerian Officials
YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Nigerian officials have dropped some of the charges against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan. On June 14, a family spokesperson announced that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had dropped tax charges against Gambaryan and fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla. However, the two still face money laundering charges from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case is set to resume on June 20.
Spokespeople for Gambaryan’s family described the charges as “bogus” and highlighted the dismissal of the tax charges as evidence of their stance. Binance also issued a statement, praising the FIRS for their “diligence and professionalism.” They emphasized that Tigran Gambaryan is not a decision-maker at Binance and should be discharged from the case.
An announcement from Gambaryan family spokespeople. Source: Andy Greenberg Binance Exec’s Health Worsens, Family Denied Updates
Gambaryan’s health has raised serious concerns. On May 23, he collapsed in court due to Malaria. Since then, his condition has worsened, and he is now suffering from pneumonia. His family claims that prison authorities have not provided transparency about his health.
Tigran Gambaryan. Photographer: David Exodus
Despite a court order by Justice Emeka Nwite to take Gambaryan to the hospital, it took 11 days for him to receive a brief check-up. The results of this check-up have not been released to his family, lawyers, or the U.S. embassy. Instead, prison authorities have named a person from the prison as his next of kin.
U.S. Lawmakers Demand Release
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were arrested in February on charges of money laundering and tax evasion related to their work with Binance, which had agreed to leave Nigeria. In March, Anjarwalla escaped Nigerian custody using his Kenyan passport. He was later tracked and arrested in Kenya and now faces extradition to Nigeria.
Notably, U.S. lawmakers have called for Gambaryan’s release. They wrote to the State Department and presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Roger D. Carstens, asserting that Gambaryan has been “wrongfully detained.”
On June 6, 108 former federal prosecutors signed a letter to the State Department, echoing the calls for his release.
Binance Awaits Ruling on Executive’s Release
Primarily, Binance continues to support their executives. They stated that the FIRS’s decision to drop the charges reinforces that Gambaryan does not need to be held for Binance to resolve issues with the Nigerian government. Additionally, they await the court’s ruling to discharge Gambaryan from the matter completely.
Moreover, the legal situation involving Binance executives in Nigeria continues to develop, with tax charges dropped but money laundering charges still pending. Above all, Gambaryan’s health and legal status remain key issues as the next court dates approach.
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