Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has taken legal action against the Nigerian government over his detention in the country. Gambaryan claims that his detention and the confiscation of his passport violated his fundamental human rights and the country’s constitution. He alleges that the government is using his detention as a means to pressure Binance. Gambaryan has requested the court to order the return of his passport and a public apology. The Africa regional manager for Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has also filed a similar complaint. The court has granted an adjournment for the respondents to reply, with the case postponed until April 8.
There has been speculation and concern among Nigerian crypto enthusiasts regarding the situation. Some doubt the likelihood of receiving fair treatment in a Nigerian court, while others question the timing of Gambaryan’s lawsuit and whether it was prompted by his colleague’s recent escape from detention. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan citizenship, arrived in Nigeria on February 25. The court permitted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to detain them for 14 days and ordered Binance to provide the government with access to data and information about Nigerian traders using its platform. Binance and the two executives will face arraignment in Nigeria’s Federal High Court on April 4, and the government plans to seek Interpol’s assistance in recapturing Anjarwalla for trial.
The crypto industry needs leaders like Gambaryan and Anjarwalla who fight for justice.
It’s clear that Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are just trying to manipulate the system to get what they want. Disgusting.
Gambaryan’s lawsuit may have wider implications for similar cases in the future.