Amid escalating tensions, Nigeria stands firm in its legal pursuit of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, despite increasing pressure from US lawmakers and former officials. Over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have joined forces to send a letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, urging immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release. The letter, initially reported by Axios, underscores the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current employee at Binance, has been held in Nigeria for approximately three months under harsh conditions. Alongside Binance’s Africa regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla, Gambaryan was arrested on February 26, 2024, on allegations of illegal transaction profits. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan is facing a $35 million indictment for money laundering and tax violations as part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on cryptocurrency channels to curb currency speculation.

A plea for justice has emerged as over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have united to demand Gambaryan’s release. Led by former federal prosecutor Katie Haun, they highlight the deteriorating health of Gambaryan due to lack of legal and medical assistance. The letter emphasizes the challenging conditions at Kuje Prison, where he is detained, known for housing dangerous criminals. It also sheds light on Gambaryan’s significant contributions to investigations related to child pornography, national security, and terrorism financing, with colleagues praising his commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The push for Gambaryan’s freedom has caught the attention of US politicians, including Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and 15 other Members of Congress, who have penned a letter to President Joe Biden, urging swift action to bring Gambaryan back home. Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities maintain that the charges against Gambaryan are legitimate and have been processed through proper legal channels. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris asserts that the trial concerning illegal cryptocurrency trading involving Gambaryan and Binance has followed legal procedures, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 20, 2024.

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.