- Binance CEO Richard Teng demands the release of the exchange’s executive Tigran Gambaryan from detention in Nigeria.
- Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained in February by Nigerian authorities on allegations of tax evasion.
- Teng alleges that Gambaryan, an “innocent, mid-level employee,” is being held in “a dangerous prison in order to control Binance.”
Binance CEO Richard Teng has called for the release of executive Tigran Gambaryan from detention in Nigeria, setting a new precedent for global companies. This article delves into the details of the case and its implications for the crypto industry.
Binance Executives Detained in Nigeria
In an unprecedented move, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, and regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained by Nigerian authorities in February. The pair had traveled to Nigeria to liaise with officials conducting an investigation into crypto exchanges. Initially held without charge under a court order, they were later accused of tax evasion by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Allegations and Repercussions
Following their detention, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were subject to “aggressive behavior” and personally accused of “holding responsibility for the state of the naira and the overall economy,” as well as allegations of terrorist financing and money laundering. Teng has since claimed that Gambaryan, an “innocent, mid-level employee,” is being held in “a dangerous prison in order to control Binance.”
Binance’s Response and Future Implications
In response to the allegations and the detention of its executives, Binance has delisted the Nigerian naira and disabled its P2P product for Nigerian users. Teng has urged Nigerian authorities to release Gambaryan and continue its “engagement” with the exchange over tax liabilities and cooperation with law enforcement. This incident sets a new precedent for global companies and has potential implications for the future of the crypto industry in Nigeria and beyond.
Conclusion
The detention of Binance executives in Nigeria underscores the challenges faced by the crypto industry in navigating complex regulatory landscapes worldwide. As the situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between crypto exchanges and regulatory authorities, and the need for clear and fair legal frameworks for the industry.
