Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime, has accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution.
Why it matters
Gambaryan was detained in Nigeria for months over money laundering allegations before being released after U.S. government intervention. His claims, if true, would implicate top lawmakers in a major corruption scandal.
What he’s saying
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Gambaryan named:
- Peter Akpanke
- Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House
- Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, head of the House anti-corruption committee
“They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in,” Gambaryan wrote.
“As you may already know, this ended with them asking for a $150 million bribe, paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets. A Mickey Mouse operation at its best.”
The big picture
- Gambaryan alleges that Nigeria’s secret police, DSS, was aware of the lawmakers’ demands.
- The Nigerian House of Representatives has previously denied any bribery attempts involving Binance officials.
Source: Premium Times NG
