Former Federal Prosecutors, Agents Ask U.S. Sec. Blinken to ‘Step Up’ Efforts to Secure Detained Binance Exec’s Release

A letter, allegedly spearheaded by Katie Haun, an investor and Coinbase board member who is a former federal prosecutor, criticized the government’s meager response to aid Gambaryan. The letter emphasized that failure to take further action could result in severe consequences.

Gambaryan, who previously worked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and now heads financial crime compliance at Binance, was taken into custody in Nigeria in February and indicted on money laundering and tax evasion allegations about a month later. Nigerian authorities have implied that Binance is responsible for depreciating the naira’s value, and Gambaryan has been identified as the fall guy. However, he maintains his innocence to all the charges. The bail hearings and subsequent court proceedings have continually been delayed.

The State Department representative informed CoinDesk earlier in the year that they had become aware of the news regarding Gambaryan’s arrest. Later on, a White House representative recommended contacting the State Department for further information when queried by CoinDesk.

Last month, during a court hearing, Gambaryan fell ill. The family representative spoke to CoinDesk, sharing that Gambaryan is under suspicion for having both malaria and a serious throat infection. It’s believed that he contracted these illnesses while in detention.

Despite a mandate from the court to shift him from Kuje Prison to a hospital, Nigerian authorities have allegedly declined to comply. Noted for housing violent criminals and members of the extremist group Boko Haram, Kuje Prison is where this individual is currently detained. In their missive to Sec. Blinken and other recipients, Haun and her co-signatories described his situation as “both unjust and inhumane.” They further asserted that not only has he been denied proper medical attention, but he has also been prevented from communicating with his legal counsel and family.

The authors of the letter strongly urge you to utilize the complete authority of American diplomacy to bring about a fair outcome by insisting on and ensuring Tigran’s swift return to his loved ones and the nation where he has faithfully served.

As a crypto investor, I’ve been keeping a close eye on recent developments in Washington. This week, I learned that 16 members of Congress penned a letter to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens at the State Department. In their correspondence, they expressed similar concerns.

The letter expressed concern over Gambaryan’s arrest, suggesting that his case be handled by Carstens’ office with the consideration it merits as a potential hostage situation.

“His life is in danger,” they warned. “Prompt action is necessary to protect him and save his life. We need to move quickly before it’s too late.”