Justice Emeka Nwite, today, denied bail to Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee facing charges of money laundering and terrorism financing. The decision has been met with strong condemnation from Binance, who asserts that the charges against Gambaryan are “meritless.”
The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as the judge announced his ruling, citing concerns that Gambaryan might attempt to flee the country if released. Gambaryan’s legal team promptly objected, arguing that their client needed to review the amended charges before entering a plea. The judge agreed to a brief adjournment, setting the next hearing for May 22nd.
Outside the courthouse, a Binance spokesperson reiterated the company’s unwavering support for Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent. “These charges are a blatant injustice,” the spokesperson declared. “Tigran has dedicated his life to public service and upholding the law. We demand his immediate release while we continue our dialogue with Nigerian authorities.”
This case has drawn significant international scrutiny, with critics accusing the Nigerian government of unfairly targeting Binance. Binance CEO Richard Teng recently described Gambaryan’s detention as a “dangerous precedent” for foreign businesses operating in Nigeria, highlighting the company’s repeated attempts to cooperate with authorities despite their alleged lack of response.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for Binance and the broader cryptocurrency industry are substantial. The case underscores the challenges faced by crypto businesses navigating the often complex and evolving regulatory landscape in emerging markets.
