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Binance, Crypto Scams, and Regulatory Deadlock: The Nigerian Victim’s Struggle for Justice

Writer: Tubrazy ShahidTubrazy Shahid

The rapid growth of cryptocurrency has brought both financial opportunities and unprecedented risks, with many individuals falling victim to sophisticated scams. One of the most common types of fraud in the crypto space is the USDT liquidity pool scam, which has affected countless investors worldwide.


For victims, tracing stolen funds is a daunting task. However, some manage to track their stolen assets to centralized exchanges such as Binance. But what happens when the exchange refuses to act? This is the frustrating reality for a Nigerian victim who, despite having compelling evidence, has been unable to get justice due to the ongoing dispute between Binance and the Nigerian government.


The Case: A Victim’s Pursuit of Justice

A Nigerian individual fell victim to a USDT liquidity pool scam on July 15, 2021. With persistence and investigative effort, they managed to trace their stolen assets to approximately 12 different Binance accounts. Armed with this evidence, they reported the case to local law enforcement and reached out to Binance for intervention.


However, Binance has remained unresponsive, refusing to take any decisive action to return the stolen funds. This silence has persisted since last year, allegedly due to the strained relationship between Binance and the Nigerian government following the detention of Binance executives for unlawful financial activities in 2023. Despite the fact that the victim’s case predates the Binance-Nigeria controversy, the exchange has refused to cooperate with both local authorities and international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol.


Binance’s Responsibility and Due Diligence Obligations

As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, Binance has a duty to uphold transparency and security within its platform. Centralized exchanges are required to implement Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to prevent illicit financial activities, including scams and fraud. When victims provide substantial evidence linking stolen funds to specific Binance accounts, the exchange has a legal and ethical obligation to take action by freezing suspicious accounts and assisting authorities with investigations.


Unfortunately, in cases such as this, Binance’s reluctance to act raises serious concerns about its commitment to protecting users and upholding financial security standards. The exchange's failure to respond to authorities, including Interpol, only exacerbates the situation, leaving victims without recourse.


The Need for a Strong Legal Petition Against Binance

Given the lack of response from Binance, the victim is now considering filing a formal petition against the exchange. This petition could serve as a catalyst for legal action and regulatory scrutiny, potentially compelling Binance to take responsibility for its role in facilitating fraudulent transactions.


A well-structured petition should include:


Comprehensive Evidence: All records of transactions, blockchain analysis, Binance account details, complaint logs, and police reports.


Engagement with International Authorities: Contacting global regulatory bodies, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and international law enforcement agencies, to escalate the matter.


Legal Representation: Seeking assistance from legal experts specializing in cryptocurrency fraud to draft the petition in a manner that compels Binance to respond.


Public Awareness and Media Involvement: Exposing Binance’s inaction through media coverage and social media campaigns to pressure the exchange into accountability.


A Call for Regulatory Oversight and Victim Protection

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations in the cryptocurrency space to ensure that centralized exchanges like Binance cannot simply ignore victims of fraud. Governments and international bodies must implement stricter enforcement measures to hold crypto exchanges accountable for their role in money laundering and financial crimes.


For victims, the path to justice may be slow and frustrating, but persistence and legal action remain the most effective tools. The Nigerian government, despite its strained relationship with Binance, must push for stronger consumer protection laws to ensure that individuals affected by crypto scams are not left helpless.


Final Thoughts

This case is not just about one individual; it highlights a systemic issue within the cryptocurrency industry. Binance, as a leading exchange, must recognize its role in combating financial fraud and cooperate with authorities to protect its users. Without accountability and transparency, trust in cryptocurrency exchanges will continue to erode, leaving investors vulnerable to similar scams in the future.


For victims, taking legal action and raising awareness is the first step toward justice. If Binance and other exchanges refuse to act responsibly, regulatory bodies and the global crypto community must demand accountability to ensure a safer, more secure financial ecosystem for all.



Disclaimer


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.


Author & Crypto Consultant


Shahid Jamal Tubrazy (Crypto & Fintech Law Consultant)


Shahid Jamal Tubrazy, a certified top expert in Crypto Law from Duke University, is a leading authority in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. As a seasoned Fintech lawyer, he offers a full spectrum of services, including licensing, legal guidance for ICOs, STOs, DeFi, and DAOs, as well as specialized expertise in crypto mediation, negotiation, and mergers and acquisitions. With a proven track record and published works on Blockchain Regulation and Cryptocurrency Laws, Shahid provides unparalleled insights into the complexities of the fintech world, ensuring compliance and strategic success. 🌐💼 #CryptoLaw #Fintech #Blockchain #LicenseServices #CryptoMediator #MergersAndAcquisitions #CryptoCompliance #FrozenAssetsrecovery.


EMAIL: shahidtubrazy@gmail.com


Website: https://cyberlawconsult.wixsite.com/cryptolawyer


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechcryptolawyer


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tubrazyfintechlawyer/


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