Nigerian officials proposed secret crypto settlement, claims Binance CEO

As a researcher with experience in investigating financial crimes and regulatory issues, I find the developments regarding Binance’s interactions with Nigerian officials deeply concerning. The allegations that Nigerian authorities attempted to coerce Binance representatives into a secret settlement paid in cryptocurrency during meetings in early 2024 are serious and warrant further investigation.


Recent information uncovered indicates that Nigerian government representatives allegedly attempted to pressure Binance representatives into reaching a clandestine agreement involving the transfer of cryptocurrency during their encounters in the early part of 2024.

As a analyst, I would rephrase the given sentence as follows:

As a researcher examining this situation, I would put forth that Teng strongly criticized the Nigerian administration for their recent actions, asserting that the detainment of two of their employees has established a perilous new standard for businesses around the globe.

Tigran, a respected name in international financial anti-crime circles, was recently apprehended during a business visit to Nigeria. The exchange made it known that they have been actively engaging with Nigerian officials in regulatory consultations and collaborating with law enforcement bodies to foster positive relationships.

Request for public hearing

As a researcher, I’ve come across Teng’s findings thatBinance team members held conversations with Nigerian government officials during parliamentary inquiries. This was instigated by the Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes making a formal request.

According to reports, the committee has brought attention to concerns regarding Binance’s activities in Nigeria and detailed their strong measures to compel the exchange’s attendance. This includes the possibility of issuing warrants for the arrest of Binance’s team and CEO, as well as preventing them from leaving the country.

A hearing open to the public was scheduled for January 10th. Binance was anticipated to address any accusations directly during this session, with petitioners, media representatives, and around thirty regulatory bodies present.

Teng asserted that Binance hadn’t been provided with the specifics of the accusations, and the delegation intended to present written replies since no open forum was available. The committee chairman promised to review the proposition and communicate back to Binance’s legal team.

Secret crypto settlement

The CEO of Binance asserts that unidentified individuals reached out to Binance’s staff, proposing a payment as resolution for the accusations. According to Teng, Binance’s legal team received the settlement conditions from an intermediary acting on behalf of the HCFC committee.

“Counsel reported back that he had been presented with a demand for a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make these issues go away and that our decision was expected by the morning.”

Through their legal representative, The exchange rejected the payment request and proceeded with ongoing settlement talks. In response to the incident, Binance presented various demands while carrying on negotiations with Nigerian officials.

Nigerian officials proposed secret crypto settlement, claims Binance CEO

I arranged follow-up sessions towards the end of February, inviting key figures from various government departments including ONSA, the President’s Office, the Central Bank, NFIU, EFCC, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As an analyst, I’ve reviewed the situation and found that despite the evident dangers, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla (Binance Africa’s head) were assured on multiple occasions that they would be permitted safe passage for their meetings.

Binance shuts down Nigerian services

When Nigerian authorities requested that Binance take certain steps, such as removing the naira from their system and supplying comprehensive user data, the situation intensified, leading to the arrests of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla.

I have analyzed the situation, and according to Binance’s statement, despite being assured of their safety, they claim that myself and another individual were forcibly detained against our will. Our passports and mobile phones were taken from us. However, the Nigerian government maintains that my release hinges on Binance fulfilling certain demands before I can be freed.

In response to the situation in Nigeria, Binance has chosen to suspend specific services with the hope that this action will help resolve the issue and ensure the safe release of Tigran.

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2024-05-07 12:43