A crypto-exchange company, Binance Nigeria, has expressed relief over the Nigerian government’s dropping of tax evasion charges against its executives, Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla,
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday cleared Gambaryan and Anjarwalla of the tax evasion charges filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) after the government informed the court of removal of their names from the FIRS’s amended charges.
In the original charges filed on March 22, 2024, the FIRS had accused Binance and Gambaryan of tax evasion.
However, the removal of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla from the tax evasion charges was sequel to Binance’s notification of appointment of a Nigerian representative, Ayodele Omotilewa, to handle its local operations in the country.
Reacting to the development, the cryptocurrency exchange platform said it was relieved that the tax charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla have been dropped because they are decision-makers at the company.
The company said, “We are relieved that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has served and filed amended charges today, resulting in tax charges against Tigran Gambaryan being dropped.
“This further illustrates that Tigran is not a decision-maker at Binance and does not need to be held in order for Binance to resolve issues with the Nigerian government. We await the court’s ruling on this, discharging Tigran from this matter completely.”
Meanwhile, Binance called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to also take similar steps by allowing Gambaryan to return home to his family.
The company emphasised Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition due to his 110 days of detention, during which he was diagnosed with malaria and pneumonia.
The company added, “We commend the FIRS for their diligence and professionalism throughout this process. This situation unequivocally demonstrates Binance’s commitment to resolving this issue with the government transparently and cooperatively.
“In order for Tigran to be allowed to go home to his family, we are hopeful that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will take similar steps.
“Tigran has been detained for 110 days, and his physical health is deteriorating, including a recent malaria and pneumonia diagnosis. Binance is committed to continuing to work with the Nigerian government to resolve this.”
While Gambaryan will remain detained at Kuje Prison, the next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 19, 2024, where the application for an order for the enforcement of fundamental rights will be heard.
Since he collapsed in court on May 23 with Malaria, Gambaryan’s health conditions have deteriorated and he now has pneumonia.
Though Justice Nwite ordered Gambaryan be taken to the hospital immediately, it reportedly took the prison authorities 11 days to take him for a brief check-up. (SaharaReporters)
