Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, raised concerns regarding the EFCC’s decision to pursue the lawsuit against him despite the FIRS’ withdrawal of the charges. Yuki urged the US government to expedite Gambaryan’s release.
Disheartened Yuki Gambaryan
Disheartened by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) move, Yuki commented, “Since the FIRS charges were dropped last week and they agreed to serve those charges solely on Binance, I do not see why the EFCC cannot do the same.” She added,
I am also once again calling on the US government to intervene more forcefully. Tigran’s and my own tax dollars get sent to Nigeria in aid every year. Nigeria is supposed to be an ally. I refuse to believe that our State Department cannot do more to have an innocent American citizen released.
Nigerian Government Charges Binance Executives; Later Drops
Binance executives Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were arrested earlier this year by the Nigerian authority, alleging Binance’s connection to $26 billion in illicit flows. Following a series of events, including Gambaryan’s lawsuit against the authority, his failed trial, and weakened health condition, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) dropped charges against the executives.
Binance Awaits Gambaryan’s Release
Binance responded to the development positively, commenting that Nigeria’s decision proves Gambaryan is free of the alleged illicit activities. A spokesperson added that Gambaryan need not be held under custody to resolve Binance’s issues with the Nigerian government. They cited, “We await the court’s ruling on this, discharging Tigran from this matter completely.”
Nigeria’s Crypto Industry Faces Uncertainty Under President Tinubu’s PoliciesHowever, the EFCC continued with the case, accusing Binance and Gambaryan of $35.4 million in money laundering. The dismayed Yuki Gambaryan posited,
It is time for the Nigerian authorities to do the right thing and let my innocent husband go. Tigrans and my own tax dollars get sent to Nigeria in aid every year. Nigeria is supposed to be an ally. I refuse to believe that our State Department cannot do more to have an innocent American citizen released.
Congress Representatives Visit Binance Exec
On June 20, Congress Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill met Gambaryan in Kuje Prison. After the meeting, the representatives revealed that Gambaryan’s health condition was much worse after malaria.
