Legal Drama Unfolds: Detained Binance Executive Sues Nigerian Government
A Binance executive detained in Nigeria is taking legal action against the government for violating his fundamental human rights. Tigran Gambaryan, the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has filed a motion in the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a declaration that the seizure of his passport goes against Nigeria’s constitution. Gambaryan is demanding that the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apologize for his detention.
The Lawsuit
- Gambaryan filed a motion in the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Nigerian government.
- He is seeking a declaration that the seizure of his passport is unconstitutional.
Reasons for Detention
- Gambaryan was in Nigeria at the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss Binance’s activities in the country.
- He claims he committed no offense during the meeting and was not informed in writing of any wrongdoing in Nigeria.
The executive asserts that the sole reason for his detention is the government’s request for information from Binance and demands on the company. In February, Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were detained while authorities in Nigeria investigated crypto exchanges.
Investigation and Detention
- The EFCC detained Gambaryan and Anjarwalla for 14 days without charges.
- An extension was granted in mid-March for the detention.
Anjarwalla recently escaped custody and left the country. Both executives faced demands from Nigeria for information on Binance’s top 100 users and their transaction history for the past six months. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has also filed tax evasion charges against Binance, Gambaryan, and Anjarwalla.
Legal Background
- Gambaryan previously served as a special agent at the IRS before joining Binance.
- He worked on several high-profile investigations during his time at the IRS.
Despite the legal challenges and investigations in Nigeria, Gambaryan remains steadfast in his demand for justice and adherence to the rule of law.
Hot Take: Executives Face Legal Battle in Nigeria
The legal battle between the detained Binance executives and the Nigerian government highlights the tensions surrounding crypto regulation and compliance. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of legal protections for individuals working in the cryptocurrency industry. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-stakes legal drama.
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