Despite Binance’s recent announcement of its withdrawal from Nigeria, two senior executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, remain detained in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Gambaryan, former United States federal agent and head of Binance‘s criminal investigations team, along with Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, have been held without passports since February 26, 2024.
The families of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla express distress over the lack of information provided by Nigerian prosecutors regarding any criminal charges. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, voices uncertainty about their well-being and the situation’s resolution.
Binance confirms the ongoing detainment of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, emphasizing collaborative efforts with Nigerian authorities to ensure their safe return. The exchange highlights their professionalism and integrity and anticipates a swift resolution.
The arrests occurred shortly after Gambaryan and Anjarwalla’s arrival in Abuja on February 25, in response to an invitation from Nigerian officials to address Binance’s alleged unlawful operations in the country. Despite intentions to engage in discussions, they were detained at a guesthouse run by Nigeria’s National Security Agency and had their passports seized.
U.S. and U.K. officials have visited Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, albeit under the supervision of Nigerian government guards, limiting private communication. These visits underscore international concern over the executives’ detainment.
The detentions preceded Binance’s formal exit from Nigeria, involving the suspension of naira withdrawals and removal of trading pairs involving the naira. The platform’s actions align with its decision to discontinue operations in Nigeria.
The detainment of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla amidst Binance’s exit from Nigeria raises questions about the circumstances and implications for the individuals involved. International scrutiny and collaborative efforts seek to ensure the executives’ safe return and address broader concerns regarding the treatment of foreign business personnel in Nigeria.
Get $200 Free Bitcoins every hour! No Deposit No Credit Card required. Sign Up