‘Get Him Home’: Binance CEO Urges Nigerian Government to Free Detained Exec

Tigran has been unfairly detained for nearly six months, as Teng explained to CoinDesk during a recent interview in New York. It’s crucial that he receives necessary medical attention before his current condition becomes permanent.

6 months ago, Gambaryan, who leads financial crime compliance at Binance, was taken into custody in Abuja following his voluntary trip to Nigeria’s capital city upon the government’s invitation. Initially, both Gambaryan and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla (a British-Kenyan national), were placed under house arrest without any given reason.

Following Anjarwalla’s escape from custody, Gambaryan was transferred to the infamous Kuje prison and indicted for money laundering and tax evasion. The BBC reported in March that the Nigerian government demanded approximately $10 billion from Binance in exchange for Gambaryan’s release. Nigerian authorities have also unfoundedly accused Binance of manipulating the naira’s value.

The accusations of tax evasion against Gambaryan were eventually dismissed, however, he is now facing charges of money laundering in a trial commenced in June. He has maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to all the allegations made against him.

After his imprisonment, Gambaryan’s health condition has significantly worsened. It is speculated that he contracted malaria, which, if untreated medically, resulted in additional complications such as double pneumonia and tonsil inflammation. A representative for his family stated that he also suffers from issues stemming from a herniated disc in his back, causing him severe pain and rendering him incapable of walking. He has been observed using a wheelchair in court and has experienced at least one collapse.

According to Gambaryan’s relatives, it appears that he hasn’t received proper medical care, and the officials at Kuje prison are resisting releasing his medical documents even after court mandates. Additionally, there seems to be a restriction on Gambaryan’s legal representation, as he has allegedly been deprived of sufficient access to his lawyers.

“Our priority is really to get him home safely to his family and to his friends,” Teng said.

Teng emphasized that Binance is dedicated to addressing regulatory concerns globally, as evident in their recent efforts in India and Brazil.

Teng mentioned that we have been cooperating closely with regulatory bodies worldwide to address challenges, and we are eager to work together with the Nigerian administration. It’s not necessary for them to involve Tigran in this collaboration.

The unjust imprisonment of Gambaryan has drawn significant concern from various sectors in the crypto industry, former federal prosecutors, and current members of Congress. These individuals have urged President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens to recognize the situation as a hostage case and secure Gambaryan’s return to the United States.

The U.S. government has made no public statement on Gambaryan’s situation.

The reporting was done by Kevin Reynolds, Ben Schiller, Margaux Nijkerk, Jennifer Sanasie, and Mel Montanez.