Nigeria Drops Tax Charges Against Binance Executives
Tax charges against Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla have been dropped by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The FIRS revised the charges so that only Binance, through its local representative, is named in the case. This decision comes after Gambaryan, who is currently ill, will no longer need to appear in court for the FIRS case, with Binance now being the sole defendant.
The two executives were initially detained in February during an investigation into the exchange. Anjarwalla managed to escape shortly after, while Gambaryan remained in custody. Nigeria had brought money laundering and tax evasion charges against both the executives and Binance. However, Binance has been arguing that Gambaryan does not hold decision-making powers in the company and should not be representing it in court.
Despite the tax charges being dropped, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are still named in the money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for June 19, where an application for an order for the enforcement of fundamental rights will be heard. The trial is set to resume on June 20, with Gambaryan still detained at Kuje prison.
Gambaryan’s health has been deteriorating, with him collapsing in court from malaria on May 23 and later being diagnosed with pneumonia. Despite a court order to take him to the hospital, prison authorities took 11 days to do so, and the family is still awaiting the results of his check-up. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has called for more forceful intervention from the U.S. government to secure the release of her husband, stating that his life is at risk.
Binance has expressed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to resolve the situation and hopes that Gambaryan will be allowed to return home to his family soon. The company also stated that they are hopeful the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will take similar steps to secure his release.
It is important for authorities to consider the health and well-being of individuals involved in legal cases, especially when their lives are at risk due to deteriorating conditions. The dropping of tax charges against Binance executives in Nigeria sheds light on the complexities of international legal matters and the importance of ensuring fair treatment and due process for all individuals involved.