The Nigerian government has dropped money laundering charges against Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, after months of legal proceedings. The decision, announced in a low-profile court session, comes amid diplomatic efforts from U.S. lawmakers advocating for his release. Gambaryan's case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency companies.
In a notable development, the Nigerian government has decided to drop all money laundering charges against Tigran Gambaryan, a senior official at Binance Holdings. This announcement was made during a session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the charges would be withdrawn.
This unexpected decision came just days before a scheduled court hearing and was conducted with little public notice. The prosecution clarified that Gambaryan's role was limited to being an employee of Binance and that he was not involved in the company’s broader financial strategies. His attorney, Mark Mordi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), corroborated this stance.
Gambaryan’s detention since April had raised concerns, prompting lobbying efforts from U.S. lawmakers who advocated for his release. Before this announcement, the court had denied Gambaryan bail twice, deeming him a flight risk. His health issues had been a prominent issue during the trial, influencing legal discussions and bail applications.
This decision comes amidst ongoing inquiries into Binance regarding tax evasion and other financial misconduct.
