FG Denies Binance executive’s,Tigran Gambaryan’s False Allegations, Rejects $5 Million Bribe Offer
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the baseless accusations and misleading statements being spread by Tigran Gambaryan, an American employee of Binance, who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial misconduct.
While the government has refrained from engaging with Mr. Gambaryan publicly, especially after diplomatic efforts resolved his case, it feels compelled to clarify the situation and counter the false narratives he is promoting.
The initial visit by Mr. Gambaryan and his team to Nigeria was purely voluntary, with no official government involvement. However, when concerns were raised about a potential bribery request during their trip, the government initiated an investigation, even though no formal complaints were filed.
During his second visit, which was part of an extensive inquiry into illicit activities surrounding the Nigerian currency on peer-to-peer platforms like Binance, Nigerian authorities faced significant challenges due to the tactics employed by Mr. Gambaryan and his associates.
Mr. Gambaryan was released in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds following diplomatic negotiations that ultimately benefited Nigeria. Contrary to his claims, the Nigerian government turned down a $5 million bribe offered by Binance in exchange for his release, instead opting for a more advantageous resolution with the U.S. government.
The government firmly denies Mr. Gambaryan’s retaliatory accusations against Nigerian officials, urging the public to dismiss his allegations as completely false.
It is important to recognize that Mr. Gambaryan’s accusations are not only unsubstantiated but appear to be motivated by an attempt to discredit those who ensured he was held accountable.
The Federal Government remains confident that both Nigerian and American courts will offer Mr. Gambaryan a fair platform to present any evidence for his claims. In the meantime, it advises the public to be cautious and not to be influenced by his unproven and malicious allegations.
Mohammed Idris
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Friday,
February 14, 2025
