The EFCC continued its legal pursuit against Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, for money laundering on June 20, leading to a response from his wife, Yuki Gambaryan.
During the proceedings, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, allowed the cross-examination of the Director of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, Abdulkadir Abbas, to proceed.
This development followed a recent court ruling that cleared Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla of tax evasion charges related to Binance, which were brought by the FIRS on June 14. The FIRS filed new amended charges after Binance appointed a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa.
In a statement to the media, Gambaryan’s wife expressed confusion over the EFCC’s actions and called on the U.S. government to expedite her husband’s release.
Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill from the U.S. Congress visited Gambaryan in Kuje Prison on June 20. Hill stated that Gambaryan’s health had deteriorated due to neglect in receiving medical attention.
Houlahan and Hill urged for Gambaryan’s immediate humanitarian release due to the poor prison conditions and his health issues.
The lawmakers’ visit came after 18 U.S. Congress members wrote a joint letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking for intervention to end Gambaryan’s detention.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, both executives at Binance, were detained in Nigeria on February 26. Gambaryan had traveled from the U.S. to defend the company against tax evasion and money laundering charges.
Binance and its executives were facing separate cases from the FIRS and EFCC, with one involving tax evasion and the other related to money laundering and foreign exchange violations.
U.S. enforcement agencies are increasing efforts to combat crypto-related crime, putting pressure on individuals and companies involved in such activities.