Help Free Tigran Gambaryan: Former US Law Enforcement Officials Urge State Department Action
Over 100 former US law enforcement officials have joined forces to advocate for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who is currently detained in Nigeria. They have penned a letter to Secretary Blinken, urging the State Department to take stronger action to secure his freedom. This initiative follows recent developments that have raised concerns about Gambaryan’s well-being and legal status.
Background of the Situation
- In January 2024, Gambaryan and several other Binance representatives traveled to Nigeria for a meeting with government officials to discuss financial regulations.
- Binance’s CEO Richard Teng revealed that a Nigerian official allegedly attempted to pressure the crypto exchange team into a questionable deal to address accusations made by the Nigerian government against Binance.
- Following a concerning encounter in Nigeria, Gambaryan and his colleagues left the country due to safety apprehensions.
- In February 2024, Gambaryan returned to Nigeria at the government’s invitation and assurances of safety to continue discussions about regulatory compliance.
- In March, both Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were unexpectedly detained in Nigeria for two weeks and accused of money laundering and tax evasion.
- Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan dual national, purportedly exited Nigeria in March using a concealed Kenyan passport.
- Meanwhile, Gambaryan, who remains in Nigeria, pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges during an April court appearance.
Legal Advocacy and Plea for Action
- Former prosecutors have affirmed Gambaryan’s innocence and stressed that his position within Binance does not grant him the authority to represent the company in such matters.
- They have raised concerns about Gambaryan’s detainment at Kuje Prison, known for hosting dangerous criminals, and emphasized his deteriorating health, including reported incidents of fainting, possibly attributable to malaria.
Hot Take: A Call for Justice and Compassion
The situation surrounding Tigran Gambaryan’s detention in Nigeria calls for urgent attention and intervention from relevant authorities. It is imperative to ensure his well-being, legal rights, and fair treatment, especially considering the potentially life-threatening conditions he may be facing. The collective efforts of former US law enforcement officials highlight the importance of upholding justice, human rights, and diplomatic interventions in cases that involve individuals facing unjust legal challenges in foreign jurisdictions.
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