Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has pleaded not guilty to four money laundering charges in Nigeria, according to local reports. Gambaryan asserted his innocence during a courtroom appearance on April 8, as reported by the local news agency Peoples Gazette.
During the hearing, Gambaryan reiterated that he should not be held accountable for Binance’s activities in Nigeria as he lacks decision-making authority in the company’s business operations. His lawyer, Chukwuka Ikuazom, contested that Gambaryan could not enter a plea on behalf of his escaped colleague who was also charged.
However, Judge Emeka Nwite rejected Gambaryan’s defense argument, citing local laws and stating that Gambaryan had acted as Binance’s representative during past trips to Nigeria.
Gambaryan’s case was previously adjourned until April 19, but the hearing on bail consideration is now postponed until April 18. Some publications also mentioned that hearings on the substantive charge will commence on May 2.
Judge Nwite ordered that Gambaryan be remanded at Kuje prison in Abuja until the case concludes, despite Gambaryan’s attorney requesting his return to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC’s counsel disagreed, stating that individuals accused of similar offenses are typically sent to the Kuje facility pending court decisions.
While Gambaryan remains in custody, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, escaped Nigeria in March. The charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are part of a broader investigation into Binance’s activities in Nigeria, including allegations of manipulating and crashing the local fiat currency, the Nigerian naira, and tax fraud.
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