Kofoworola Odozi Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s top crypto crime investigator and a former U.S. federal agent, has been detained in Nigeria since February 26, 2024, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager. The two executives traveled to Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s restrictions on cryptocurrency exchanges but were stripped of their passports and held at a government facility.
Nigerian authorities have since charged Binance and the executives with tax evasion. The crackdown follows the country’s concerns over crypto’s role in currency devaluation and illicit transactions. Anjarwalla has reportedly escaped, while Gambaryan remains in custody, with growing pressure on U.S. officials to intervene.
Binance has stated that it is working with Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe return of both executives.
