In a recent development in Nigeria's ongoing case against Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive, has submitted a new bail application citing health concerns. This move comes amidst charges of money laundering exceeding $35 million against the company and its officials.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen who serves as Binance's head of financial crime compliance, has been in custody since February 2024. His legal representative, Mark Mordi, presented the fresh bail request to a High Court in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, on September 2, 2024. The application emphasizes Gambaryan's deteriorating health while in prison custody.
The executive reportedly suffers from a herniated disc, causing neck and back pain, along with recurring bouts of malaria and pneumonia. Gambaryan appeared in court using crutches and claimed that prison officials had denied him access to a wheelchair.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's agency responsible for combating financial crimes, opposes the bail request. The EFCC's lawyer argued that Gambaryan's health condition is not as severe as claimed, noting that he has had the herniated disc for over a decade.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny of cryptocurrency operations in Nigeria, Africa's largest economy. The country has seen a rapid increase in cryptocurrency adoption in recent years, despite initial restrictions imposed by the central bank in 2021, which were later eased.
Binance, founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, has faced regulatory challenges in multiple countries as it works to improve its compliance and regulatory standards globally. The company has launched several initiatives to promote blockchain education in Africa, recognizing the continent's growing importance in the cryptocurrency market.
The charges against Binance in Nigeria extend beyond money laundering. The exchange also faces separate accusations of tax evasion, adding to its legal troubles in the country.
"Prison officials had denied him a wheelchair."
As the case unfolds, it underscores the complex relationship between emerging financial technologies and regulatory frameworks in developing economies. Nigeria, with its history of combating financial crimes, including the infamous "419 scams," is striving to balance the potential benefits of blockchain technology with the need for robust financial oversight.
The court is set to continue proceedings on September 4, 2024, as the cryptocurrency industry watches closely. This case could have significant implications for Binance's operations in Africa and potentially influence the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the region.