Kelvin Daminabo
The Chief Compliance Officer at Binance, Noah Perlman, has raised concerns over the unresolved legal dispute in Nigeria involving executive Tigran Gambaryan. In an interview with CNBC, Perlman mentioned the absence of a clear strategy for Gambaryan’s repatriation to the United States in the foreseeable future. While Binance is making efforts to facilitate his release, negotiations remain contingent upon the US government’s involvement.
Gambaryan, a former IRS employee, is suspected to be suffering from malaria after collapsing in court on May 24. Despite a court directive, he is being detained without adequate medical attention, impeding his diagnosis and treatment. Perlman stressed Binance’s readiness to collaborate with authorities, drawing on past negotiation experiences. He appealed to the Nigerian government to free Gambaryan, deeming his detention unnecessary.
Perlman’s statements underscore the hurdles confronting Binance in resolving the matter. Despite the company’s cooperation and readiness to address any potential issues, a clear path forward has yet to materialize. The situation highlights the intricacies of international legal disputes and the necessity for diplomatic endeavors to secure Gambaryan’s release. As efforts continue, Binance and the US government strive towards a resolution with the aim of repatriating Gambaryan to the US without delay.
Historical Context
In February, Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla were arrested in Nigeria following attempts to engage in discussions regarding regulatory concerns with government officials. They were accused of criminal infractions, such as tax evasion and failure to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service. While Gambaryan remains in custody awaiting trial, Anjarwalla managed to escape but was subsequently extradited from Kenya back to Nigeria.
The arrests came as a surprise, as the executives’ intent in Nigeria was to negotiate with officials concerning the government’s crackdown on cryptocurrency trading platforms. Instead, they were detained, had their passports confiscated, and faced charges. Perlman, Binance’s Chief Compliance Officer, expressed unease regarding Gambaryan’s predicament, noting the absence of a defined plan for his return to the US.
Regarding Anjarwalla, Perlman mentioned the lack of communication since his escape and subsequent extradition. The incident underscores the difficulties and risks that cryptocurrency firms encounter when operating in jurisdictions with strict regulations and legal frameworks. While Binance has been cooperative with authorities, the outcomes for both executives remain uncertain. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the significance of comprehending local regulations and the potential ramifications of non-compliance.