Nigerian cryptocurrency stakeholders are urging Binance to disclose the identity of the individual who allegedly offered a bribe, asserting that this transparency is crucial for substantiating their claims. They emphasize the potential negative impact on Nigeria’s image if the bribery allegation is not addressed properly.
Rume Ophi, the executive secretary of the Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), acknowledges the government’s willingness to cooperate with the crypto industry but warns against actions that could tarnish its reputation. Ophi insists that Binance must reveal specific details to validate the bribery accusation and enable authorities to take appropriate action.
On May 7, Binance CEO Richard Teng addressed the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, formerly with the US Internal Revenue Service and Binance’s compliance team, attributing it to individuals offering payments to settle allegations.
Nathaniel Luz, CEO of Flincap, expresses doubt about Nigerian officials soliciting bribes from Binance but stresses the importance of naming individuals to support their claims.
Previously, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission declared Binance Nigeria’s operations illegal, and the Central Bank of Nigeria raised concerns about suspected illicit transactions on crypto exchanges, including Binance.
As tensions escalated, the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes summoned Binance CEO Richard Teng, demanding actions like delisting the naira and providing detailed user information, leading to the detention of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla.
May 2024, Cryptoniteuae
