Cryptocurrency exchange Binance expressed relief following the news that Nigerian authorities have dropped tax charges against its executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria served and filed amended charges today, making Binance the sole defendant in the case.
A Binance spokesperson confirmed the development, noting that while the tax charges have been dropped, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla still face money laundering charges in the country, alongside Binance. Gambaryan, a former Special Agent for the U.S. IRS and Binance’s Head of Financial Compliance, and Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on February 26. The detentions followed accusations of Binance profiting from illegal transactions locally. Criminal charges were subsequently filed against Binance and the two executives on February 28, citing a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment. Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, while Gambaryan remains detained.
“We commend the FIRS for their diligence and professionalism throughout this process. This situation unequivocally demonstrates Binance’s commitment to resolving this issue with the government transparently and cooperatively,” the Binance spokesperson said.
