Binance Executive Moved to Secure Jail in Nigeria After Colleague's Escape

After Nadeem Anjarwalla's escape, Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan was moved to a more secure jail in Nigeria, as per DL News. Initially under house arrest, his conditions worsened after his colleague's flight from the country.

Gambaryan, accused with Binance of money laundering and tax issues, now resides in a jail overseen by Nigeria’s anti-corruption body.

His court appearance showed him visibly distressed, with his trial postponed to April 19 due to legal missteps.

He's kept in a basic cell in Abuja, with minimal comforts like fresh bedding and a private shower, starkly different from his prior guest house stay where he enjoyed daily smoothies and limited family contact through his phone.

His detention since February signifies the escalating tensions between Binance and Nigeria. Gambaryan, who heads Binance’s financial crime compliance, finds himself in the midst of this international dispute without direct influence over Binance's operations.

Binance has remained silent on Gambaryan's predicament, even requesting DL News to refer to him merely as "an employee." His and Anjarwalla's arrest followed their mission to Nigeria to address governmental concerns with Binance’s activities.

Anjarwalla's escape involved sneaking out with a hidden passport.

The escape led to an investigation of the guards by Nigeria’s national security, as the EFCC digs into Binance's potential role in illegal financing and impacting the naira’s value.

Gambaryan's transfer signals Nigeria's intent to press Binance for answers, with a potential move to a federal detention center if it goes to trial.

This development is part of ongoing coverage by Osato Avan-Nomayo, DL News’ Nigeria-based correspondent, who focuses on DeFi and tech, highlighting the complex crypto-regulatory dynamics in Nigeria.