India Fines Binance $2.2 Million Over Money Laundering Amid Legal Battle in Nigeria

Indian authorities have fined Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, $2.2 million, citing violations of its anti-money laundering regulations.

In a statement on Thursday, India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) said Binance was fined for “operations within India without adhering to its statutory obligations under the PMLA.”

According to the statement, the FIU’s director, after reviewing Binance’s submissions, concluded that the charges were substantiated, leading to the penalty and directives aimed at ensuring future compliance.

It added that the FIU-IND director ordered the imposition of a “total penalty” of approximately $2.2 million on Binance, along with specific directions to ensure diligent compliance with the obligations.

Binance, in a statement on Thursday, said, “We are aware of the FIU’s directive and are currently evaluating it to decide our next steps. We value the opportunity to continue serving the dynamic Indian crypto community.

Meanwhile, the crypto firm is facing a legal battle in Nigeria over money laundering and tax evasion allegations.

In March, Binance announced its exit from the Nigerian market and removal of all assets associated with the naira amid a clampdown by Nigerian authorities on the platform.

In a twist of events, the crypto giant accused Nigerian government officials of demanding a $150 million bribe to drop the case and free its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

The Nigerian government denied the claim, calling it arm-twisting