In a startling revelation posted on the social media platform X, Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, has come forward with details of a bribery scandal involving members of the Nigerian House of Representatives. According to Gambaryan, during a meeting in January 2024, he and his colleagues were coerced into complying with demands that included a staggering $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency, to be paid directly into personal wallets of the officials involved.
The incident reportedly began with a prerequisite meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) on January 5, 2024, before an official encounter with the House members. At this subsequent meeting, attended by representatives Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and an unnamed third member under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, the environment was set up to appear official, complete with fake cameras and media equipment, none of which were operational.
Gambaryan’s detailed account describes how the bribe was solicited under the guise of discussing regulatory compliance with the Nigerian government. The bribe was framed as a necessary payment to halt investigations into Binance, which Nigerian authorities have accused of facilitating money laundering, terrorism financing, and foreign exchange manipulation, claims which Binance has refuted as baseless.
Moreover, Gambaryan highlighted the absurdity of the $26 billion figure circulated by Nigerian officials, clarifying it was merely cumulative trade data from Nigerian users on Binance’s platform, not money leaving the country. This misinformation, according to Gambaryan, was part of a broader strategy to justify the investigation against Binance.
The post also sheds light on the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, another Binance executive, from Nigeria. Contrary to official statements, Gambaryan clarifies that Anjarwalla escaped after returning from mosque prayers, suggesting possible bribery or negligence by local authorities, though he admits to lacking concrete evidence.
In an attempt to legitimize their actions, Nigerian officials reportedly sent misleading letters to the U.S. Embassy and the British High Commission, claiming voluntary participation in strategic talks by Binance. However, Gambaryan refutes this, stating that they were detained illegally, with the authorities even fabricating evidence to extend their detention beyond legal limits.
Further complicating the matter, Gambaryan alleges that attempts were made to involve Binance in violating international privacy laws by demanding user data to target political opponents, a move he attributes to the aftermath of Nigeria’s monetary policy changes leading to naira devaluation.
The Nigerian government has previously rejected similar allegations by Binance’s CEO, labeling them as tactics to divert attention from ongoing criminal charges against the company. Meanwhile, Gambaryan’s account has sparked a wave of public outcry and support on social media, with users expressing disgust at the corruption and incompetence of those in charge.
This scandal not only underscores the challenges faced by international businesses operating in Nigeria but also highlights the broader issues of corruption within the Nigerian political landscape. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond to these serious allegations and what implications this might have for future international relations and business dealings within the country.
Pen Agency News will continue to follow this story for further developments.
