A Nigerian court recently adjourned the trial of Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, to May 17. The adjournment came after the cryptocurrency exchange’s attorney stated that he had not received the necessary documents to prepare a defense. However, Nigerian authorities reportedly provided the attorney with an additional 300-page document containing further evidence during a court hearing.
Nigerian Court Postpones Binance, Tigran Gambaryan Money Laundering Trial to May 17
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Lawyer Criticizes Nigerian Authorities
A Nigerian court recently postponed the trial against Binance and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan, to May 17 to allow the crypto exchange’s lawyer time to prepare for the case. According to a report by Reuters, the lawyer had not received the necessary documents to mount a defense.
The case against the two, which began with the detention of Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and fellow executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, has added to Gambaryan’s troubles. As previously reported by Bitcoin.com News, Gambaryan, who leads Binance’s financial compliance department, was transferred to Nigeria’s notorious Kuje prison after pleading not guilty to money laundering charges.
Before being moved to the infamous prison, Gambaryan had been held at a government guesthouse for nearly six weeks. Meanwhile, Anjarwalla, who escaped from custody and fled to Kenya, has since been located. Nigerian authorities have suggested that efforts to extradite the citizen, who holds dual British and Kenyan citizenship, are underway.
During a court appearance on May 2, the lawyer for Binance accused Nigerian authorities of failing to provide additional evidence. However, the lawyer was served with a 300-page document in court, prompting the judge to adjourn the case.
In addition to money laundering charges, the cryptocurrency exchange is also accused of tax evasion and operating without the necessary license.
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