More than 100 exFederal Prosecutors Urge the Release of Detained Binance Executive in Nigeria
Amidst escalating tensions, Nigeria stands firm in its legal pursuit of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, despite increasing pressure from US lawmakers and former officials. A group of around 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have united to send a letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, urging action to secure Gambaryan’s release and underscoring the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Gambaryan, a former federal agent and current Binance employee, has been held in Nigeria under harsh conditions for approximately three months. Alongside Binance’s Africa regional manager Nadeem Anjarwalla, he was detained on February 26, 2024, on allegations of illicit profit transactions. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan is facing a $35 million indictment for money laundering and tax infractions as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to crack down on cryptocurrency channels.
The plea for justice has gained momentum as over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have joined forces to advocate for Gambaryan’s release. Their letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, spearheaded by former federal prosecutor Katie Haun, emphasizes the deteriorating health of Gambaryan due to a lack of legal and medical support. Highlighting the challenging conditions of Kuje Prison, where Gambaryan is held, the letter underscores his valuable contributions to significant investigations, including those related to child pornography, national security, and terrorism financing.
The push for Gambaryan’s release has also captured the attention of US politicians, with Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and 15 other Members of Congress signing a letter to President Joe Biden, urging swift action to bring Gambaryan back home.
In response, Nigerian authorities maintain the legitimacy of the charges against Gambaryan, asserting that due legal processes have been followed in the trial for illegal cryptocurrency trading involving him and Binance. Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris assures that the evidence supports the prosecution’s case, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 20, 2024.