It’s The Hard Truth’ – Binance Exec Exposes Alleged $150M Bribe Request In Nigeria

Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has reaffirmed his claim that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe to secure his release from detention.

In a statement posted on his account on Saturday, Gambaryan reiterated his allegations, despite denials from the lawmakers and the Nigerian government.

He had previously accused House of Representatives members—Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe—of colluding with the Department of State Services (DSS) to demand the bribe, which they allegedly wanted paid in cryptocurrency.

Following official denials, including from the Minister of Information, Gambaryan maintained that his claims were true, emphasizing that his ordeal in Nigeria had been deeply distressing for both him and his family.

“A Painful Ordeal”

Gambaryan expressed how the past year had been a harrowing experience, both professionally and personally.

“The reality is that last year was incredibly painful for me and my family. I dedicated my career to fighting crime as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as a compliance professional. It was an honor to serve my country, and I am grateful that they came to my aid when I needed them most,” he stated.

He lamented the suffering his family endured, saying:

“Being dragged through court on baseless and trumped-up charges didn’t just harm me—it caused immense pain to my loved ones.”

“I Just Want This Nightmare to End”

Gambaryan further stated that he longed to move past the ordeal and rebuild his life. He insisted that everything he had shared about his experience in Nigeria was based on factual events and had been reported to both Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies.

“I don’t want to see my kids cry because I’m not around. I don’t want to see my 75-year-old mother in tears on TV. I want to leave this nightmare behind and find peace,” he pleaded.