The Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has withdrawn tax allegations against two top Binance executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla. However, the charges are now solely directed at Binance, raising questions about the next steps for the cryptocurrency giant.
This dismissal of charges follows intense international pressure, including a letter from U.S. federal prosecutors urging the U.S. Department of Justice to press the Nigerian government. Initially, FIRS had brought tax charges against both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla.
However, the agency has now chosen to redirect these charges solely at Binance, specifically through its local representative.
Implications for Gambaryan and Anjarwalla
The result is that Gambaryan is no longer required to appear in court for the tax case, leaving Binance as the only defendant. Observers believe that the letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, signed by over 100 former senior executives, influenced this decision. This letter highlighted concerns about the conditions in Kuje Prison, where Gambaryan was being held, known for housing some of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Despite this development, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla are not entirely free from legal troubles. They still face charges in a separate money laundering case. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for June 19, where an application for an order for the enforcement of fundamental rights will be heard.
The trial is set to resume on June 20, with Gambaryan remaining detained at Kuje Prison.
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