Crypto Exchange Binance Urges Action for Detained Executive

Crypto exchange Binance has called on the U.S. government and international organizations to apply political pressure for the release of its executive Tigran Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds. This plea addresses Nigeria’s “unjust detention practices.”

Gambaryan, held for six months by Nigerian authorities, is reported to be suffering from declining physical and mental health. Binance CEO Richard Teng emphasized these concerns in a statement, repeating previous calls for the release of the U.S. citizen.

Gambaryan, formerly a Special Agent for the IRS and currently Binance’s Head of Financial Compliance, was detained with Africa Regional Manager Nadeem Anjarwalla on Feb. 26 amid accusations of illegal-transaction profits in Nigeria. The two executives faced criminal charges on Feb. 28 related to a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment; the tax charges against them were later dropped in June. Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22, while Gambaryan remains detained.

Teng described the inhumane conditions Gambaryan faces, claiming the Nigerian government has denied him necessary medical care and access to legal counsel, despite his severe health issues. The government’s justification for his detention, linking Binance to Nigeria’s economic problems, lacks factual support, Teng asserts.

Gambaryan has also initiated legal action against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for violating his human rights.

Teng expressed concern over the continued detention of Gambaryan, arguing that incarcerating an innocent employee is unwarranted. He pointed out that Binance has resolved similar issues globally without harm to employees.

U.S. lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan visited Gambaryan in June and advocated for his prompt release, citing his struggles with malaria and pneumonia.

Following their visit, the Nigerian government rejected claims of inadequate healthcare, stating Gambaryan receives necessary medical attention and access to U.S. consular support.

Plea from Gambaryan’s Family

On the sixth-month mark of Gambaryan’s detention, his wife Yuki issued an urgent appeal for his release before irreversible health damage occurs.

Yuki described Tigran’s severe health decline, emphasizing that he can no longer walk and is being inhumanely denied a wheelchair. She shared details of his suffering and called for compassion from both Nigerian and U.S. authorities.

Despite pleas from the family, Gambaryan’s lawyers faced significant challenges in accessing him for trial preparations, with minimal visitation allowed.

The next court date, initially postponed to Oct. 11, has been rescheduled to Sept. 2, thanks to a recent application for the court to address the case during recess.

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission did not respond immediately to request for comment on the matter.