Binance Nigeria Money Laundering Trial Delayed: New Developments Unfold

May 3, 2024 BACK TO NEWS

The trial of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial compliance, and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla in Nigeria has encountered a delay, pushing the proceedings to May 17. The postponement follows the emergence of new evidence presented by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which the defense lawyers had not previously reviewed.

Originally scheduled to commence on the present day, the trial's adjournment was granted by the presiding judge to allow Gambaryan sufficient time to scrutinize the extensive document, reportedly spanning 300 pages. This move underscores the importance of due process and fair access to evidence in legal proceedings.

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, were detained by Nigerian authorities in February. Subsequently, the EFCC brought forth charges of anti-money laundering and tax evasion against both executives and the company.

Notably, Anjarwalla has managed to evade authorities, prompting an ongoing search by Nigerian law enforcement. Meanwhile, Gambaryan remains in detention at Kuje prison, awaiting his bail hearing, which coincides with the rescheduled trial date of May 17.

The tax evasion trial, also slated for the same day, was previously postponed in April due to procedural issues surrounding the formal service of charges to the exchange.

The unfolding legal saga underscores the complexities and challenges faced by cryptocurrency firms operating in diverse regulatory environments. It also highlights the significance of transparency, compliance, and legal due diligence in navigating global financial landscapes.

As developments continue to emerge, stakeholders closely monitor the outcome of the trial and its potential implications for Binance, Gambaryan, and the broader cryptocurrency industry.