The EFCC continued its pursuit of a money laundering case against Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, on June 20. This prompted a response from Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan. The EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, was present during the proceedings, allowing for the cross-examination of Abdulkadir Abbas, the Director of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission.
Just days prior, Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were cleared of tax evasion charges related to Binance in a case brought by the FIRS. The court made this decision after the FIRS filed new amended charges due to a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa.
In a statement to the press, Gambaryan’s wife expressed her confusion as to why the EFCC cannot follow the FIRS and release her husband. She also called on the United States government to expedite his release.
Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill, members of the U.S. Congress, visited Gambaryan in Kuje Prison on June 20. Hill reported that Gambaryan had suffered from malaria and double pneumonia, and his health had deteriorated due to lack of medical attention. Houlahan and Hill have advocated for Gambaryan’s immediate humanitarian release, citing the poor prison conditions and his health state.
This visit from the lawmakers follows a joint letter from 18 U.S. Congress members to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging them to intervene and end Gambaryan’s detention.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager, were detained in Nigeria on February 26. Gambaryan had traveled from the U.S. to participate in the company’s defense against tax evasion and money laundering charges. Binance and its executives faced two separate cases by the FIRS and EFCC, with the former focusing on tax evasion and the latter involving money laundering and foreign exchange contravention.
U.S. enforcement agencies are increasing their efforts to combat crypto-related crime.