- Despite the dropped tax charges, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla remain involved in a separate money-laundering case.
- Binance maintains that neither of them had decision-making roles within the company and wants them released.
Nigeria’s authorities have dropped tax charges against Binance’s executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, narrowing its focus solely on the crypto exchange itself. However, the two executives are embroiled in a separate money-laundering case amidst escalating health concerns, particularly for Gambaryan.
According to Coindesk, The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria has dropped tax charges against the two executives and revised related charges. The FIRS has only named Binance, who is represented locally, as the defendant. This decision came after the executives were initially detained in February during an investigation into the exchange.
Although the tax charges have been dropped, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are still involved in a money-laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Binance has been attempting to persuade Nigerian authorities that Gambaryan, who is ill, does not hold decision-making power within the company and should be released. Despite these efforts, Gambaryan remains detained in Kuje prison, while Anjarwalla managed to escape shortly after their detention.
See Related: Binance Executives Sue Nigerian Government For Detainment
Health Concerns
Gambaryan’s health has reportedly deteriorated significantly since his detention. He collapsed in court on May 23 due to malaria and has since developed pneumonia. Despite a court order for medical treatment, prison authorities delayed taking him to the hospital. His family has voiced concerns over his worsening condition and the lack of timely medical care.
Tigran Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has urged the U.S. government to intervene for her husband’s immediate release, stressing that his life is at risk. A family spokesperson reiterated that neither Gambaryan nor Anjarwalla had decision-making roles at Binance and should not have been charged or detained in the first place.
A Binance spokesperson expressed hope that the EFCC would follow the FIRS’s lead and drop the charges against Gambaryan, emphasizing the company’s commitment to cooperating with Nigerian authorities to resolve the situation. The spokesperson also highlighted the impact of Gambaryan’s 110-day detention on his health, citing diagnoses of malaria and pneumonia.
The next hearing for the money-laundering case is scheduled for June 19, where an application for enforcing fundamental rights will be addressed. The trial is set to resume on June 20. Binance continues to advocate for Gambaryan’s release, emphasizing his deteriorating health and the need for urgent medical attention.
