Nigerian Court Halts Binance Trial, Lawyer Claims Missing Papers

Nigerian Court Adjourns Binance Money Laundering Trial

The trial involving cryptocurrency exchange Binance and two of its executives for alleged money laundering activities has been adjourned by a Nigerian court until May 17. The decision was made due to concerns raised by Binance's legal representative regarding missing documents essential for case preparation.

Defendants and Charges

The defendants in the trial include Binance itself, Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla. They face charges of laundering funds exceeding $35 million and conducting financial activities without proper licensing. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Lawyer's Claim of Lack of Evidence

During court proceedings, Binance's legal counsel expressed concerns over the non-receipt of supplementary evidence. Emphasizing the importance of these documents in preparing the defense, the lawyer highlighted the need for their inclusion in the case materials.

Adjournment for Document Review

Following this assertion, the missing documents were presented in court, prompting the presiding judge to adjourn the trial until May 17. This delay allows for a thorough examination of the extensive 300-page document, ensuring that both sides have adequate time to review the evidence before resuming proceedings.

Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings

In addition to the money laundering allegations, Binance and its executives face additional legal challenges, including four counts of tax evasion. A separate trial concerning these tax-related charges has also been postponed until May 17.

EFCC Scrutiny and Binance's Defense

These legal battles reflect the increased scrutiny faced by entities operating in the cryptocurrency space. Despite the legal hurdles, Binance and its executives maintain their innocence and intend to vigorously defend themselves against the charges as they navigate the Nigerian legal system.