As an analyst with extensive experience in international relations and human rights, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan by Nigerian authorities. The reports that he is being used as leverage against his employer, Binance, are alarming and constitute a clear violation of international law.


A number of American legislators have urged President Joe Biden to get involved in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance, who has been in Nigerian custody for approximately three months.

Led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and joined by eleven other congressional figures, they have called for the situation involving Gambaryan’s detainment to be classified as a hostage crisis and for prompt action to ensure his safe release.

U.S. Lawmakers Condemn Nigerian Government’s Tactics

In the letter, it was pointed out that the Nigerian government acknowledged in a court setting that Gambaryan is being utilized as a bargaining chip against Binance. The lawyer for this individual has encountered limitations, including closely monitored meetings overseen by government representatives and the presence of armed guards.

Gambaryan’s health condition worsened while in custody, leading to a fainting spell in court on May 24th. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with malaria. In spite of a court order mandating appropriate medical care, the Nigerian government has neglected to provide sufficient healthcare for him.

A group of House representatives, led by Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Republican Committee, have penned a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the State Department urging them to facilitate the return of detained Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan.

According to the letter, Gambaryan has contracted malaria and is being…

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 4, 2024

As a researcher investigating this situation, I would express it as follows: “I believe the allegations against Mr. Gambaryan are unfounded and serve as an intimidation tactic by the Nigerian authorities to pressure his employer, Binance. In my opinion, the detention of Mr. Gambaryan can be classified as a wrongful detainment based on the stipulations of the ‘Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act’.”

“Mr. Gambaryan, an American citizen, is allegedly being unjustly held by the Nigerian government. His worried family strongly urges immediate US action due to concerns for his safety.”

Nigerian authorities have leveled accusations of money laundering and tax evasion against Binance and Gambaryan. Simultaneously, an executive from Binance named Nadeem Anjarwalla, who was also taken into custody, successfully evaded capture.

Hostile Meetings Lead to Unlawful Detention

As a crypto investor, I received a letter that mentioned my recent visit to Nigeria on February 26th. This journey was arranged by the Nigerian government’s invitation, where we delved into substantial talks concerning Binance’s compliance matters.

According to reports, Gambaryan’s professional meetings began amicably but later deteriorated, leading to his detainment by Nigerian authorities. Guards secured him in his hotel room, took his passport away, and eventually transferred him to a government-owned residence called the “Guest House.”

Gambaryan was kept in custody for five consecutive days without being allowed to reach out to his loved ones, lawyers, or American representatives. The initial justification for his detention, which had been granted by a court order, ended on March 12. However, the Nigerian authorities failed to provide a valid reason to keep him imprisoned until April 5, at which point the case was postponed for further deliberation.

Gambaryan was subsequently accused of multiple offenses on behalf of Binance and relocated to Kuje Prison, infamous for its challenging environment.

As a seasoned analyst and former IRS special agent based in the United States, I have contributed significantly to cyber investigation efforts, ultimately leading to the confiscation of a staggering $4.725 billion worth of illicit funds. Presently, I am proudly leading the Financial Crime Compliance team at Binance.

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2024-06-06 01:12