

152. The curious case of Tigran Gambaryan -- a renowned cryptocurrency investigator and Binance employee now on trial in Nigeria
Jul 30, 2024
Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS investigator turned Binance employee, reveals the alarming details of his legal troubles in Nigeria. He discusses the serious allegations against him and the implications for Binance amidst global regulatory scrutiny. Gambaryan's health crisis in prison raises serious humanitarian concerns, while the rapid rise of cryptocurrency in Nigeria underscores its role as a financial lifeline. The conversation dives into the precarious landscape of cryptocurrency regulations and the looming penalties that could reshape the exchange's future.
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Binance's Troubled Compliance History
- Binance prioritized rapid growth over regulatory compliance initially, leading to major legal issues.
- Its former CEO pleaded guilty to crimes including money laundering, resulting in a record $4.3 billion company fine.
Tigran's Crypto Cop Journey
- Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS investigator, became a cryptocurrency investigator working for Binance.
- He helped track crypto transactions to catch criminals and took down major dark markets like Silk Road.
Detained in Nigeria Unexpectedly
- Tigran was invited to Nigeria by regulators but was unexpectedly detained and moved to Khuja Prison.
- He was held responsible for Binance's alleged violations despite not being a top decision maker.