Crypto Executive Accused of Money Laundering Pleads for U.S. Government Help in Nigeria
A plea has been issued for the U.S. government to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been accused of laundering $35 million in Nigeria. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her concern about her husband’s detention in Nigeria and called for his release, stating that he is a risk of permanent damage due to his deteriorating health.
Concerns About Gambaryan’s Health and Legal Situation
- Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, has been held in a Nigerian jail since February on money laundering charges.
- A Nigerian court denied his request for bail in May, citing flight risk concerns.
- Yuki Gambaryan has urged the U.S. government to use all available tools to secure her husband’s release.
- Current Binance CEO Richard Teng and U.S. Congressmen have also called for U.S. intervention in the case.
It is important to note that Gambaryan previously worked for the IRS before joining Binance, where he became the head of financial crime compliance. Nigerian authorities have charged him with money laundering and accused Binance of tax evasion, in addition to crashing the country’s currency, the naira, which has experienced significant volatility.
Legal Battle and Health Concerns
- Gambaryan’s lawyers argue for his release on medical grounds due to health issues, including a herniated disc and repeated bouts of malaria.
- They claim that he requires specialized surgery for his herniated disc.
- Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disputes Gambaryan’s health complaints.
- Yuki Gambaryan has declared the situation unjust, stating that her husband was unlawfully detained in Nigeria under false pretenses.
- She emphasized that his health has deteriorated in prison, with the need for urgent medical attention.
Hot Take: Upholding Rights and Seeking Justice
The plea for help from Tigran Gambaryan’s wife highlights the challenges faced by individuals in legal battles abroad. It underscores the importance of upholding human rights and seeking justice for those unfairly detained in foreign countries, regardless of their nationality. The case serves as a call to action for governments and global organizations to intervene when individuals face unjust legal proceedings and health risks in foreign jurisdictions.