Binance ‘Working Collaboratively’ With Nigerian Government to Free Detained Executive, Compliance Chief Says

Gambaryan, a former IRS investigator who joined Binance in 2021, entered not guilty pleas this week for allegedly engaging in money laundering, tax avoidance, and manipulating Nigeria’s currency value. The Nigerian government had extended an invitation for him to visit the country, according to Perlman.

At a cybersecurity event organized by Chainalysis, Perlman expressed his hope that Binance could find a solution with the Nigerian authorities to secure the release of Gambrayan, without providing further details.

“Obviously the whole situation is just tragic,” he said.

In February, Gambaryan and his business partner, Nadeem Anjarwlla, traveled to Nigeria to address the Nigerian authorities’ worries with them. Yet, they were apprehended without being charged and confined to their homes instead.

Last month, the authorities brought charges against Anjarwalla and the other executive, acting on behalf of the exchange they represented – which was identified as both the company and Binance itself. However, Anjarwalla had already eluded the authorities before these accusations were made public.

Previously, Binance made it clear in a statement that Gambaryan held no power to make decisions for the exchange.