US$15m Bribe Scandal: FG debunks allegations made by Binance Executive

The Federal Government of Nigeria has today dismissed a series of allegations and defamatory statements levelled against Nigerian officials by Tigran Gambaryan, an American staff member of Binance who was recently apprehended and tried in the country.

In a press statement issued by Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government expressed its concern over what it described as ‘outrageous’ misinformation and falsehoods being peddled by Mr Gambaryan. The minister stressed that while the government is reluctant to engage with Mr Gambaryan following a high-level diplomatic intervention that resolved his case, it remains imperative to set the record straight.

Mr Gambaryan and his colleagues made an initial, unofficial visit to Nigeria, during which an investigation was promptly launched after allegations of a bribery demand emerged – despite no formal complaint being lodged. A subsequent visit by Mr Gambaryan formed part of a wider probe into the alleged criminal manipulation of the Nigerian currency via peer-to-peer platforms such as Binance. However, investigators were reportedly frustrated by the tactics employed by Mr Gambaryan and his team during the course of the probe.

Notably, Mr Gambaryan was released on humanitarian grounds in October 2024 following a high-level diplomatic intervention. The Nigerian government confirmed that it had rejected an offer from Binance for a US$5 million down payment for his freedom, opting instead for a settlement that yielded greater diplomatic benefits for Nigeria.

Addressing the retaliatory claims made by Mr Gambaryan against Nigerian officials involved in his case, Minister Idris categorically denied such assertions. “We urge the public to disregard these false accusations in their entirety,” he stated. The minister further remarked that Mr Gambaryan’s allegations are unsubstantiated and appear to be motivated by a desire to discredit and intimidate the officials responsible for ensuring he faced justice.

The statement concluded by affirming confidence in the judicial systems of both Nigeria and the United States, which it said would provide Mr Gambaryan with a fair opportunity to substantiate his claims in court. Until then, the government advised the public to remain cautious and not be swayed by what it termed as unfounded and malicious claims.