Free Tigran – Binance CEO Calls for Release of Detained Executives
In a shocking turn of events, Binance CEO Richard Teng has made a passionate plea for the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan, head of the crypto exchange’s Financial Crime Compliance team, who has been held by the Nigerian government for over 70 days. The arrest of Gambaryan and the exchange’s African regional manager has raised concerns and drawn criticism from Binance’s leadership, signaling a dangerous precedent that could affect companies globally.
Arrest of Binance Executives Raises Alarms
- Teng highlights the unjust detention of Gambaryan, who traveled to Nigeria in February for discussions on financial crime and policy matters, not for negotiations or decision-making.
- Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, Binance’s African regional manager, despite assurances of safe passage for their meetings, as stated by Teng.
Challenges Faced by Binance Executives in Nigeria
- Binance had approached Nigerian authorities for guidance and cooperation with the SEC in 2022, but faced challenges and a lack of response from regulators.
- The arrest of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla during a public hearing led to serious allegations of economic issues and terrorism financing, affecting their safety and freedom.
Calls for Justice and Resolution
- Teng emphasizes Binance’s commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to address tax issues, and advocates for Gambaryan’s release to continue cooperation.
- The release of Anjarwalla and ongoing detention of Gambaryan highlight the complexities and legal battles faced by Binance executives in Nigeria.
Hot Take on the Situation
The situation involving the detention of Binance executives in Nigeria underscores the challenges faced by international companies operating in regulatory environments. Binance’s efforts to engage with authorities and address concerns reflect a commitment to compliance and cooperation, but the prolonged detention of Gambaryan raises questions about due process and fairness in cross-border business dealings.
—
Sources:
– Binance Blog