Former Binance executives detained in Nigeria
- Two Binance executives, including Tigran Gambaryan, have been arrested in Nigeria on charges of money laundering and tax evasion, which they firmly deny.
- Gambaryan, who is reportedly suffering from malaria and a throat infection, is being denied necessary medical transfer despite court orders.
- Over 100 former US officials and 16 members of Congress are urging the US government to take action, treating Gambaryan’s case as a hostage situation.
A group of 108 former federal prosecutors and agents recently signed a letter addressed to Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, urging the State Department to intensify efforts to secure the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained in Nigeria.
The initiative for this letter was led by Katie Haun, an investor and board member of Coinbase, herself a former federal prosecutor.
Background of Binance executive’s arrest
Tigran Gambaryan, a former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and current head of financial regulatory compliance at Binance, was arrested in Nigeria in February. A month later, he was charged with money laundering and tax evasion, charges that he and his supporters strongly deny.
Nigerian officials accuse him of contributing to the devaluation of the national currency, the naira, on behalf of his employer. Gambaryan has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His bail hearings and other court proceedings have been repeatedly postponed.
Detention conditions and health implications
At a hearing last month, Gambaryan collapsed, with a spokesperson for his family stating that he is likely suffering from malaria and a severe throat infection contracted in prison.
Despite a court order demanding his transfer from Kuje prison, which houses violent criminals and terrorists, including members of the Boko Haram jihadist group, Nigerian authorities have refused to transfer him.
In their letter, Haun and the other signatories describe Gambaryan’s detention as “not only unfair but inhumane,” highlighting the lack of adequate medical care and his inability to speak with his lawyers or family.
Calls for US diplomatic action
We urge you to use the full power of American diplomacy to do what is right by demanding and securing Tigran’s immediate release so that he can be reunited with his family and the country he has served with great honor.
Earlier this week, 16 members of Congress wrote a similar letter to President Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, and Roger Carstens, the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the State Department, describing Gambaryan’s situation as “deeply troubling” and suggesting that his case be treated as a hostage situation. They express serious concern for his life, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure his safety.
