Aint-Graft agency – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday continued with its alleged money laundering charge preferred against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Ltd at a Federal High Court, Abuja.
The criminal charge continued before Justice Emeka Nwite inspite of the withdrawal of a charge by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Gambaryan in the alleged tax evasion case filed against him and the cryptocurrency exchange platform.
The EFCC filed a five-count charge against Binance and Gambaryan while the FIRS filed a four-count charge against the duo.
Binance and Gambaryan were accused by the anti-graft agency of money laundering involving $35.4 million.
Besides, the company was under suspicion of alleged terrorism financing.
Last Friday, Justice Nwite discharged the detained Gambaryan and his fleeing colleague, Anjarwalla, from the alleged tax evasion charge.
The judge made the decision in a short ruling following a fresh amended charge filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Mr. Ayodele Omotilewa, to oversee its affairs in the country.
However, expectations were high prior to yesterday’s proceedings that the anti-graft agency would follow suit.
But at the resumed hearing, the EFCC’s lawyer, informed the court that the matter was slated for the defence to cross-examined the agency’s first prosecution witness (PW1), Mr. Abdulkadir Abbas, a Director with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Then Gambaryan stepped forward into the dock.
While being cross-examined by counsel for the 1st defendant (Binance), Mr. Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, Abbas testified against Binance and Gambaryan.
The witness, who is Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure Department at SEC, stated that a private company that wants to raise capital from the public in Nigeria, must become a Public Limited Company (Plc) before it can engage in IPO (Initial Public Offer).
He, however, said that Binance did not even register with his office in the first place, adding that the SEC’s regulations mandate it to oversight on all Bitcoin trading platforms under the Nigeria law.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 21 for continuation of cross-examination.
