Prosecutors in Nigeria are proceeding with a case initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been held since February. According to a spokesperson for the family speaking to Cointelegraph, Gambaryan’s legal team conducted cross-examination of an EFCC witness on July 2. The EFCC has leveled money laundering charges against Gambaryan and fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped custody in March and reportedly fled to Kenya.
Officials in Nigeria intend to resume Gambaryan’s trial on July 5, despite concerns raised by his family about his declining health during his 128 days in detention, citing double pneumonia, malaria, and persistent pains in his foot and back. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her interactions with the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, noting ongoing communication with Binance and legal representatives involved in his EFCC case.
Commenting on the U.S. Government’s response, Yuki Gambaryan mentioned initial delays, given Tigran’s past employment with the U.S. Government, but acknowledged increased efforts recently. She emphasized the need for a resolution between Binance and Nigerian authorities that doesn’t compromise Tigran’s situation.
Initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering upon their visit to Nigeria as Binance representatives, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla faced legal actions, with Anjarwalla evading to Kenya in March and possibly facing extradition. The tax evasion charges were dropped in June by Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service, yet the money laundering case remains ongoing.
In related developments, numerous U.S. officials and concerned parties criticized Nigeria for detaining executives who entered the country voluntarily to represent their company. U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan visited Gambaryan in Kuje Prison on June 20, urging authorities to drop charges and release him on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, Yuki Gambaryan initiated a petition to bring her husband back to the U.S., nearing its goal of 5,000 signatures with 4,879 at the time of publication. The petition seeks support from the U.S. State Department, President Joe Biden, EFCC, and the Nigerian government.
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