More than 100 exFederal Prosecutors Urge for the Release of Binance Executive Detained in Nigeria
Despite increasing pressure from US lawmakers and former officials, Nigeria remains resolute in its legal actions against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan. Approximately 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have united to send a letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, urging for Gambaryan’s release and underlining the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current employee at Binance, has been held in Nigeria for three months under harsh conditions. He was arrested on February 26, 2024, along with Binance’s Africa regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla, on charges of illegal transaction profits. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan faces a $35 million indictment for money laundering and tax violations as part of Nigeria’s efforts to crack down on cryptocurrency channels.
The recent plea for justice from over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents emphasizes the critical situation of Gambaryan’s detention. Led by former federal prosecutor Katie Haun, the letter highlights Gambaryan’s deteriorating health due to lack of legal and medical assistance. It points out the harsh conditions of Kuje Prison, where he is being held, known for housing dangerous criminals in Nigeria. The letter also recognizes Gambaryan’s significant contributions to various investigations related to child pornography, national security, and terrorism financing.
The political attention in the United States has also been drawn to Gambaryan’s case, with Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and 15 other Members of Congress urging President Joe Biden to take immediate action to bring Gambaryan back home.
Despite these calls for his release, Nigerian authorities maintain that the charges against Gambaryan are legitimate and have followed due legal processes. Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris asserts that the trial for illegal cryptocurrency trading involving Gambaryan and Binance has been conducted according to legal procedures, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 20, 2024.