Over 100 Federal Prosecutors Call for Release of Binance Executive Gambaryan in Nigeria
Key Points
Nigeria remains resolute in its legal pursuit of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, despite mounting pressure from US officials.
Gambaryan, who is facing alleged financial crimes, is enduring harsh conditions in Nigerian detention, leading to deteriorating health.
The case has garnered significant political interest in the US, prompting calls for President Biden to intervene.
Amid escalating tensions, Nigeria stands firm in its legal actions against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, despite growing pressure from US lawmakers and former officials. A group of around 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have come together to send a letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken.
The letter, initially reported by Axios, urges immediate steps to secure Gambaryan’s release, underscoring the deepening diplomatic strain between the two countries. It emphasizes the pressing need to address Gambaryan’s predicament.
The Tigran Gambaryan Case
Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current mid-level employee at Binance, has been held in Nigeria under harsh conditions for approximately three months.
Gambaryan, along with Binance’s Africa regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla, was arrested on February 26, 2024, on charges of benefiting from illicit transactions. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan is facing a $35 million indictment for money laundering and tax infractions. This forms part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on currency speculation by prohibiting cryptocurrency channels.
A Call for Fairness
Former federal prosecutor Katie Haun spearheaded the letter, emphasizing that Gambaryan’s health is deteriorating due to a lack of legal and medical assistance. The letter also points out that Kuje Prison, where Gambaryan is held, is notorious for housing some of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals.
The letter underscores Gambaryan’s contributions to significant investigations, including those related to child pornography, national security, and terrorism financing. Former colleagues have attested to his commitment to upholding the rule of law, sharing personal accounts of his unwavering dedication to major crime probes.
US Political Pressure
The demand for Gambaryan’s release has attracted substantial political attention in the United States. Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX) and 15 other Members of Congress have endorsed a letter to President Joe Biden, urging immediate action to bring Gambaryan back home.
NEW: House members including Chairman @RepMcCaul of the @HouseForeignGOP have sent a letter to @POTUS, @SecBlinken and @StateSPEHA urging them to bring detained @binance employee Tigran Gambaryan home. According to the letter, Gambaryan has contracted malaria and is…
pic.twitter.com/XCRyS8IPUT
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 4, 2024
Nigeria’s Position
Conversely, Nigerian authorities maintain that the charges against Gambaryan are legitimate and have adhered to due legal processes. Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris affirmed that the trial for illicit cryptocurrency trading involving Gambaryan and Binance has followed legal protocols.
He asserted that the evidence supports the prosecution’s case, with the upcoming court hearing scheduled for June 20, 2024.
As the next court hearing approaches, all eyes are on Nigeria. How will this international standoff be resolved?