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Nigeria Seizes $37M Crypto In Crackdown Amid Binance Lawsuit

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8 months ago

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In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing crypto crackdown, Nigeria’s government has moved to freeze $37 million worth of virtual assets held in digital wallets. This action marks the tightening of crypto regulation efforts amid the Binance lawsuit. The latest move is reportedly aimed at disrupting financial support for a recent wave of nationwide protests.

Nigeria Crypto Crackdown Intensifies

The central element of this enforcement in Nigeria was outlined in a briefing given by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to a government council led by President Bola Tinubu. Ribadu announced that the Nigerian authorities had successfully secured a court order to freeze a $37 million out of the $50 million crypto assets held in digital wallets.

These assets were allegedly used to fund protests against the rising cost of living in the country. The aforementioned protests, began earlier this month, have been a focal point of public dissent against the economic policies of the current administration. They have now raised questions on the country’s crypto regulation measures.

A detailed report from Premium Times revealed that the court order, issued in Abuja, pertains to four crypto wallets reportedly containing about 37 million USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial crimes unit, has claimed that these wallets are connected to individuals under investigation for money laundering and terrorism financing.

However, the exact nature of the investigation and its linkage to the protests remains unclear. The timing of the freeze order, granted on August 9, coincides closely with the peak of the protests. However, the official documentation did not explicitly connect the wallets to the demonstration activities.

The EFCC has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for the connection between the crypto wallets and the protest funding. Furthermore, Nigeria’s stance on crypto regulation has been increasingly stringent this year.

Latest Details On The Binance Lawsuit

Since February, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised alarms over crypto platforms like Binance. It accusing them of facilitating illicit financial flows and contributing to the destabilization of the naira, Nigeria’s national currency. This regulatory push has led to broader measures including the restriction of access to crypto trading platforms and the arrest of several high-profile figures associated with the industry.

Among those affected by the regulatory crackdown is Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and executive at the Binance crypto exchange. Gambaryan has been in detention at Kuje Prison since February 26 following his arrest during a meeting with Nigerian officials in Abuja. Moreover, his family has recently voiced urgent concerns over the Binance executive’s deteriorating health and is calling for his immediate release.

Binance and its executives, including Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s regional manager for Africa, face serious allegations. They are charged with tax evasion for allegedly failing to register with Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for tax obligations.

In addition to these charges, there are claims of over $35 million in alleged money laundering activities. Furthermore, Gambaryan’s case has faced delays, with the Nigerian court adjourned for its summer break and the next hearing scheduled for October 11.

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Kritika Mehta

Kritika boasts over 2 years of experience in the financial news sector. Currently working as a crypto journalist at Coingape, she has consistently shown a knack for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Kritika combines insightful analysis with a deep understanding of market trends. With a keen interest in technical analysis, she brings a nuanced perspective to her reporting, exploring the intersection of finance, technology, and emerging trends in the crypto space.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Regulation

US SEC and Binance Agree To Pause Legal Proceedings for 60 More Days

Published

7 days ago

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April 12, 2025

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Binance have requested a federal judge to extend the pause in their ongoing legal case for another 60 days.

This decision follows what both parties described as “productive discussions” and will provide more time for further deliberations.

US SEC and Binance Agree To Pause Legal Proceedings

The SEC initially sued Binance in 2023, accusing the exchange and its executives, including former CEO Changpeng Zhao, of violating federal securities laws, who is now the Strategic Advisor to Pakistan’s Crypto Council. The charges centred on Binance’s operation as an unlicensed clearing agency, broker, and exchange.

Additional allegations included the commingling of funds and manipulation of trading volume on Binance.US, its U.S. affiliate. These serious claims led to the ongoing litigation, which was paused multiple times to allow the parties to negotiate and clarify their positions.

Earlier this year, the SEC requested a 60-day pause in the case to allow for discussions around a new crypto task force to clarify how securities law might apply to digital assets. That pause was set to expire on April 14, 2025, but the SEC and Binance have now mutually agreed to extend it for an additional two months.

Reasons for the Continued Binance SEC Pause

The SEC, in its filing, explained that the discussions between both parties had focused on how the work of the newly formed crypto task force could impact the case. The task force, created to address regulatory issues in the cryptocurrency sector, may provide clearer guidance on how U.S. securities law applies to digital assets.

The SEC also pointed out that additional time was needed for authorization from the Commission before making any decisions or revisions in the scope of the case. Binance, for its part, agreed that an extension of the pause was in everyone’s best interest and would help to facilitate the ongoing discussions between the two sides.

“The continued pause is appropriate and in the interest of judicial economy,” the filing stated. Both the SEC and Binance have indicated that they aim to resolve the matter efficiently, without unnecessary delays or complications.

Crypto Task Force’s Role in the Case

The SEC’s newly established crypto task force may shape how digital asset transactions are treated under U.S. law. In a recent statement, Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda emphasized the importance of clear regulations for the cryptocurrency market and noted that the task force’s role is to create long-term solutions for regulating crypto trading.

Uyeda also suggested that a “time-limited, conditional exemptive relief framework” might be appropriate to allow innovation in blockchain technology while maintaining regulatory oversight. He encouraged market participants to contribute their views on where such exemptions might be necessary to foster industry growth.

The crypto task force’s efforts may influence how the SEC handles its case against Binance and its broader approach to regulating the digital asset space. The task force aims to ensure that U.S. law can adapt to the rapidly evolving technology behind cryptocurrencies while also protecting investors and ensuring market integrity.

Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

With the case now paused for another 60 days, the SEC and Binance will continue their discussions and await further guidance from the crypto task force. The next update on the case’s status will come after the 60-day period.

As the pause continues, like the Ripple vs SEC case, stakeholders in the cryptocurrency industry will closely monitor the outcome of the discussions, as the case could set important precedents for future regulatory actions.

The SEC, as a result, has clarified that it is focused on ensuring compliance with securities laws, while Binance has stated its commitment to working within the framework of U.S. regulations.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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US Senators Reintroduce PROOF Act To Set Reserve Standards for Crypto Firms

Published

1 week ago

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April 11, 2025

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As crypto regulation gains ground in the US under pro-crypto President Donald Trump, US Senators are taking further steps to strengthen oversight of digital asset firms. Senators Thom Tillis and John Hickenlooper reintroduced the Proving Reserves of Other Funds (PROOF) Act, which aims to create new standards for transparency and fund management in the cryptocurrency sector.

US Senators Reintroduce PROOF Act Bill

According to Eleanor Terrett, US Senators Tillis and Hickenlooper have renewed their push for the PROOF Act, which was first introduced in 2023. The bill responds to concerns raised by the collapse of FTX, where customer funds were reportedly mixed with the company’s own capital and redirected to affiliated firms.

The PROOF Act would prohibit the co-mingling of customer assets by digital asset custodians and exchanges. It sets requirements for monthly third-party reserve checks, which would ensure that firms hold enough reserves to back customer holdings.

Independent auditing firms would perform these checks, sending the results to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Mandatory Proof of Reserves Checks

Under the US Senator’s proposed law, all firms offering digital asset custody or exchange services must undergo monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) inspections. These checks would verify that firms hold the assets they claim to possess on behalf of their clients.

PoR uses cryptographic tools like Merkle trees and zero-knowledge proofs to verify balances without revealing user data. To ensure transparency, the inspection reports would be made public through the Treasury Department. If a company fails to comply, it will face civil fines that increase with repeated violations.

Although some firms have previously voluntarily shared proof of reserves information, these practices have been inconsistent and often lacked third-party verification. The PROOF Act would create a standardized process across the industry.

Preventing Fund Mismanagement in the Crypto Industry Through The PROOF Act

The US Senators’ renewed effort to pass the PROOF Act follows the financial failure of several crypto companies, most notably FTX. Reports showed that FTX moved customer deposits to its sister firm, Alameda Research, without proper disclosure or reserves, contributing to a major loss of trust in the sector.

Lawmakers aim to reduce the risk of mismanaged or missing funds by introducing strict reserve reporting requirements. The bill, as a result, intends to give customers more confidence that their digital assets are safe and properly accounted for by crypto firms.

The legislation also encourages more responsible behaviour from digital asset institutions by requiring them to follow clearly defined standards. These standards subsequently support regulatory oversight and prevent future financial harm to customers.

SEC Leadership and Regulatory Developments

The reintroduction of the PROOF Act follows Paul Atkins’s appointment as the new Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. The Senate endorsed Atkins with a 52 to 44 majority in acknowledging his position on precise crypto regulations.

As a result, the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC published guidance for crypto issuers as a follow-up to Atkins’ confirmation. The guidance also involves disclosure concerning business models and financial statements and risks associated with digital assets that fall under the definition of securities.

Subsequently, Senator Cynthia Lummis, a pro-Bitcoin legislator, has corroborated the development while acknowledging optimism about the future under Atkins. She stated that from her conversation with Atkins, she became confident in his handling of digital asset regulation.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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US President Donald Trump Signs First Crypto-Related Bill Into Law; Report

Published

1 week ago

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April 11, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has signed a joint resolution that will repeal an IRS rule affecting decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

This legislation, which has passed through both the Senate and the House, aims to prevent the IRS from enforcing tax reporting requirements on DeFi protocols. The move is seen as a key development in crypto regulation.

Donald Trump Signs First Crypto-Related Bill Into Law

According to ex-Fox journalist Eleanor Terret, the US president Donald Trump has signed the resolution into law imminently.

Two sources familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump has signed the resolution, with Senator Ted Cruz attending the event as its lead sponsor in the Senate.

The bill marks the first time a US president will sign a crypto-related bill into law. It comes after weeks of legislative activity, during which both chambers of Congress passed versions of the resolution with broad bipartisan support. The Senate passed the final version of the bill on March 26 with a 70–28 vote after the House approved it on March 11.

Overview of the Repealed IRS Rule

The IRS DeFi broker rule, introduced during the Biden administration, was designed to expand existing tax reporting requirements to DeFi platforms.

Consequently, these platforms are required to report gross proceeds from crypto transactions and provide identifying details about the parties involved. The rule was part of a broader effort to close tax gaps and improve oversight in the cryptocurrency sector.

However, the rule drew criticism from the crypto industry and some lawmakers. Opponents argued that the decentralized structure of DeFi protocols makes it difficult or impossible to gather user data or file tax reports. Many, however, said that enforcing such requirements would hinder development and discourage innovation in the blockchain space.

Congressional Action and Political Support

The resolution to overturn the IRS rule passed with broad support in both chambers of Congress. Although a similar resolution passed in the Senate earlier in March, a revised version originated in the House due to rules governing tax-related legislation. The final Senate vote on March 26 completed the process and sent the resolution to President Donald Trump.

Senator Ted Cruz, who introduced the resolution, stated that the IRS rule was “an attack on emerging technologies that could transform financial systems.” As a result, the legislation received support from lawmakers who emphasized the need for clear, innovation-friendly policies on crypto regulation.

David Sacks, the White House’s AI and crypto advisor, confirmed President Donald Trump supports eliminating the rule. Sacks said the administration aims to protect decentralized technologies from what it sees as overregulation.

Implications After Donald Trump Sign

Once signed into law by Donald Trump, the resolution will exempt DeFi platforms from complying with certain IRS tax reporting obligations. This will, as a result, give developers and operators of decentralized protocols more freedom to operate without facing regulatory penalties for noncompliance with rules they cannot practically follow.

The repeal also signals a shift in how federal policymakers view crypto technologies. With this bill, US President Donald Trump will formalize a new stance on crypto regulation that emphasizes technological growth and decentralized innovation.

Industry groups like the DeFi Education Fund have supported the resolution and called it a step toward more practical crypto policy in the United States.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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