Binance Executives Still Detained in Nigeria Despite Exit Announcement

Two senior executives from Binance, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, are reportedly still being held in Abuja, Nigeria, without passports. Gambaryan, head of Binance’s criminal investigations team, and Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, have been detained since February 26, 2024.

The families of the executives have expressed concern as Nigerian prosecutors have not disclosed any criminal charges against them. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, mentioned the lack of information about their situation. Binance confirmed that they are working with Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe return of the executives.

The arrests of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla occurred following a meeting with Nigerian officials to address the government’s concerns about Binance’s operations in the country. The officials accused crypto exchanges, including Binance, of devaluing Nigeria’s currency and facilitating illicit financial activities.

Despite the ongoing detainment of the executives, Binance announced its exit from Nigeria on March 5. The company has suspended naira withdrawals and removed naira trading pairs from its platform.

The situation involving Gambaryan and Anjarwalla has raised questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in Nigeria. While the executives await their return, Binance continues to navigate its operations in the country.

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