Nigerian authorities have dropped certain charges against detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, as reported by a family spokesperson on June 14. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has withdrawn tax charges against Gambaryan and fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla.
Nevertheless, both executives continue to face money laundering charges from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with the case set to resume on June 20.
Criticism of Remaining Charges
Gambaryan’s family representatives have criticized the remaining charges as “bogus” and argue that the dismissal of the tax charges by FIRS indicates that the pair should not have been charged initially.
The condition of Gambaryan’s health has been a significant concern, especially after he collapsed in court on May 23 due to malaria. His family claims that his health has worsened, now including pneumonia, and they allege a lack of transparency from prison authorities regarding his well-being.
Despite a court order from Justice Emeka Nwite for immediate medical attention, prison authorities delayed taking Gambaryan to a hospital for 11 days, and even then, only for a brief check-up.
The results of this check-up have not been disclosed to his family, lawyers, or the U.S. embassy, as prison officials have designated a person from the prison as his next of kin.
Statement from the Gambaryan Family Representatives. Source: Andy Greenberg
Binance issued a statement praising FIRS for its “diligence and professionalism.” They emphasized that the dropped charges highlight that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker at Binance and that his detention is unnecessary for resolving issues with the Nigerian government.
Binance expressed hope for a complete discharge of Gambaryan from the matter.
Background of Arrest
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were arrested by Nigerian authorities in February on charges of money laundering and tax evasion related to Binance, despite the company’s prior agreement to exit the African market.
In March, Anjarwalla escaped custody using his Kenyan passport but was later apprehended in Kenya, where he now faces extradition to Nigeria.
In response to Gambaryan’s detention, U.S. lawmakers have voiced their concerns. In a June 4 letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, twelve U.S. lawmakers described Gambaryan’s imprisonment as “wrongful.”
They argued that the charges of money laundering and tax evasion are unfounded and part of an alleged scheme by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance.
Gambaryan, formerly an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, traveled to Nigeria on February 26 to address compliance and regulation issues.
The situation turned hostile despite initial professional meetings, leading to his detention in Kuje prison, known for its harsh conditions, for over three months.
Appeals for Intervention
The U.S. lawmakers highlighted Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, noting his positive malaria test and the failure to transfer him to a private hospital despite a court order.
They underscored the urgent need for U.S. government intervention to ensure his safety and release. Representative Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was among the signatories urging President Biden to act.
Following the lawmakers’ appeal, former federal prosecutors echoed these calls in a letter signed by 108 ex-prosecutors to the State Department on June 6, urging swift action to secure Gambaryan’s release.
They emphasized the denial of proper legal representation for Gambaryan, as meetings with his legal team are conducted in the presence of Nigerian authorities and armed guards, further stressing the need for immediate U.S. intervention.
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