Nigeria Clears Binance Executives of Tax Charges
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria has dropped the tax charges against Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla. The FIRS revised the charges so that only Binance, represented by its local representative, is named in the case. This decision means that Gambaryan, who is currently unwell, will no longer need to appear in court for the FIRS case, and Binance is now the sole defendant. However, both executives remain involved in a money-laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Initially, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were detained in February while Nigerian authorities investigated the exchange. Anjarwalla managed to escape shortly after. Binance has been advocating for the release of Gambaryan, emphasizing that he does not hold decision-making powers in the company. The firm has been working to demonstrate to Nigerian authorities that Gambaryan should not be representing Binance in court.
The next hearing in the money-laundering case involving Gambaryan and Anjarwalla is scheduled for June 19, with the trial set to resume on June 20. Gambaryan’s continued detention at Kuje prison has raised concerns, especially since his health has been deteriorating. He recently collapsed in court due to malaria and has since developed pneumonia. Despite a court order to take him to the hospital, there have been delays in providing him with necessary medical care.
The family of Gambaryan has called for more urgent intervention from the U.S. government to secure his release. They are worried about his deteriorating health and the risks he faces while in detention. Binance has expressed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to resolve the situation and secure Gambaryan’s release.
As the legal proceedings continue, there is hope that the issues surrounding the detention of Binance executives will be resolved, and Gambaryan will be reunited with his family. The case highlights the challenges that can arise for foreign executives working in different jurisdictions and the importance of diplomatic interventions in such situations.
The developments in the case of the Binance executives underscore the complexities of international legal matters and the impact they can have on individuals and their families. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how the Nigerian government, Binance, and other stakeholders work towards a resolution that upholds justice and respects the rights of all parties involved.