By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has acquitted top
executives of the cryptocurrency platform, Binance, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, in a case involving alleged tax evasion.
Recall that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had dragged the duo to court over allegations of tax evasion leveled against them. However, the court’s decision came after the FIRS filed fresh amended charges following Binance’s notification about appointing Ayodele Omotilewa as its Nigerian representative.
Recall that both Gambaryan and the fleeing Anjarwalla were facing a four-count charge brought against them by the Federal Government in a case presided over by trial Justice Emeka Nwite. Although Binance had no legal representation in court, however, Gambaryan was physically present to have the charges read to him.
However, Chukwuka Ikwazuonu, Gambaryan’s counsel, informed the court that his client had not been served with the charges, arguing that it was premature for Gambaryan to take to the dock without knowledge of the charges against him.
But, the FIRS prosecutor, Moses Ideho, admitted that service of the charges had been challenging due to lack of access to the defendant in custody.
In response, the court ordered that the charges be served to Gambaryan in open court and adjourned the case to April 19, 2024 for his arraignment.
In a related case by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), counsel E.E. Iheanacho informed the court that Gambaryan had been served with the charges. However, Mark Mordi, representing Gambaryan, argued that Binance, which he also represented, had not been served, preventing the arraignment from proceeding.
Mordi emphasized that as it was a joint charge, all individuals needed to be served individually before the case could proceed. He also stated that Gambaryan declined to accept service of the charges on behalf of Binance, as he was not authorized to do so.
The prosecutor contended that Gambaryan, as a top official of Binance, was a suitable representative for the company in this matter.
Alternatively, the prosecutor suggested that the court could enter a not guilty plea for Binance to allow the case to proceed.
