A major controversy has emerged following allegations made by a top Binance executive against some Nigerian lawmakers. Tigran Gambaryan, the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has claimed that three members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives—Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe—demanded a $150 million bribe from the cryptocurrency exchange.

According to Gambaryan, the alleged request was made during a meeting with Binance representatives in an attempt to settle the company’s ongoing legal issues in Nigeria. His claims have sparked widespread debate, particularly because he had been detained in Nigeria for several months over allegations of money laundering and currency manipulation before making these revelations.

Government Response and Public Reactions
The Nigerian government has strongly refuted the claims, calling them false and baseless. Officials argue that no such request was made and insist that the allegations are an attempt to divert attention from Binance’s regulatory challenges in Nigeria. The lawmakers named in the allegations have also denied any wrongdoing.

This development has led to mixed reactions from the public. While some Nigerians believe the claims should be thoroughly investigated to determine their authenticity, others see it as part of a larger conflict over cryptocurrency regulations in the country. The case has also drawn international attention, especially within the global financial and cryptocurrency communities.

The Bigger Picture: Cryptocurrency and Regulation in Nigeria
Nigeria has had a complicated relationship with cryptocurrency regulation. The country’s authorities have taken strict measures against unregulated crypto exchanges, citing concerns about financial crimes, foreign exchange instability, and money laundering. Binance, as one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency platforms, has faced scrutiny from multiple governments, including Nigeria.

As investigations continue, the outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for Binance’s operations in Nigeria and the broader cryptocurrency industry. Whether the allegations are proven or dismissed, the case highlights ongoing tensions between regulators and crypto businesses operating in the country.

Conclusion
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected in the coming days. What are your thoughts on this situation? Should there be an independent investigation into the bribery allegations, or is this just another example of corporate and government power struggles? Share your opinions in the comments.