Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency while he was in detention. He also dismissed claims of Binance laundering $26 billion, alleging corruption, fabricated charges, and illegal detention by Nigerian authorities. The case raises concerns over regulatory transparency.
Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency while he was in detention. Gambaryan, who was arrested in January 2024, detailed his ordeal in a lengthy social media post, revealing what he called corruption, deception, and political maneuvering involving top Nigerian officials.
According to Gambaryan, the meeting where the bribe was solicited was staged to appear official, with fake cameras set up. He named lawmakers Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Onwusibe as those involved. He claimed Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was also aware of the situation but distanced himself.
Gambaryan further dismissed Nigerian authorities’ allegations that Binance facilitated the illegal transfer of $26 billion out of the country, calling the claim misleading. He explained that the amount in question was merely the cumulative trading volume of Nigerians on the platform, not money leaving the country.
He also accused officials of trying to use Binance to obtain private user data under the pretense of curbing currency manipulation, while knowing that the naira’s devaluation resulted from government policies.
Additionally, he denied reports that a Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escaped custody during prayers, suggesting instead that his departure was facilitated by corruption. He claimed that Nigerian authorities illegally detained him beyond court orders and fabricated charges against him.
Although the Nigerian government withdrew money laundering charges against Gambaryan in October 2024, tensions between Binance and the authorities remain. The case has raised concerns over Nigeria’s handling of foreign business operations and cryptocurrency regulations.
