Nigeria authorities have dropped certain charges against Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive. This move came after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) dismissed tax charges against Gambaryan and fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla.

However, the two still face serious money laundering accusations from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with the case set to continue on June 20.

Nigeria drops charges amid health concerns

A family spokesperson announced the dropping of charges on June 14. According to the spokesperson, FIRS’s removal of the tax charges significantly shows that authorities should have charged Gambaryan and Anjarwalla later. Despite this, the EFCC has not relented on its money laundering charges against the Binance executives.

A family representative for Gambaryan strongly criticized the charges, labeling them “bogus.” They further argued that the dismissal of the tax-related accusations proves that the initial charges were unfounded.

Gambaryan’s health has been a central issue in recent updates. The Binance executive collapsed in court on May 23 due to a severe case of malaria, which has since developed into pneumonia. Family representatives have expressed grave concerns over his deteriorating health and have accused prison authorities of failing to provide transparency regarding his medical condition. 

Despite a court order by Justice Emeka Nwite to hospitalize Gambaryan immediately, the prison authorities delayed his medical check-up by 11 days. Moreover, they have yet to release the results of this check-up to his family, lawyers, or the U.S. embassy.

Ongoing legal battles and Anjarwalla’s escape in Nigeria

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla’s legal battles began in February when Nigerian authorities arrested them on charges of money laundering and tax evasion linked to their roles at Binance. The charges were pursued vigorously despite Binance’s agreement to exit the African market.

In a dramatic turn of events, Anjarwalla managed to escape Nigerian custody in March using his Kenyan passport to flee the country. He was subsequently tracked down and arrested in Kenya, where he now faces extradition back to Nigeria. This escape has added another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings against the Binance executives.

The Gambaryan family’s spokesperson underscored the injustice they believe Gambaryan faces, pointing out the already dropped tax charges as evidence of his non-involvement in decision-making at Binance that could warrant such accusations. They urged the EFCC to follow the example set by FIRS and dismiss the remaining charges, allowing Gambaryan to return to his family.

International support and advocacy

Gambaryan’s plight has not gone unnoticed internationally. Recently, a group of U.S. lawmakers penned a letter to the State Department and the presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Roger D. Carstens, drawing attention to what they termed Gambaryan’s “wrongful detention.” This letter highlighted his former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent background and called for immediate release.

Further support came from former federal prosecutors in the United States, who echoed these calls for Gambaryan’s release. On June 6, 108 ex-prosecutors sent a letter to the State Department urging them to intervene and secure his freedom.

In their statement, the Gambaryan family expressed relief over the amended charges filed by FIRS, which resulted in the dropping of tax charges against him. They stressed that this development clearly illustrates that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker at Binance and, thus, should not be held responsible for the company’s issues with the Nigerian government.

The family also acknowledged FIRS for their professionalism and diligence throughout this process. They remain hopeful that the EFCC will take similar steps to dismiss the money laundering charges, enabling Gambaryan to reunite with his family. His detention, which has lasted 110 days, has taken a severe toll on his physical health, compounding the urgency for a resolution.

A Plea for justice and transparency

As the next court dates approach, Gambaryan’s family and supporters continue to advocate for his release. They argue that his continued detention is not only unjust but also detrimental to his health. The family’s statement emphasized Binance’s commitment to resolving the issues with the Nigerian government transparently and cooperatively.

The case against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla remains contentious, with international scrutiny and advocacy playing a significant role in pushing for a fair resolution. The upcoming June 19-20 court dates will be critical in determining the future of the detained Binance executives. Both the Gambaryan family and his supporters are hopeful for a favorable outcome that will allow him to return home and recover from his health issues in the care of his family.

Also Read: Anjarwalla’s Extradition Papers Finalized by Interpol in Nigeria