In A Nutshell:
Over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have called for the immediate release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, detained in Nigeria on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. A letter to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, led by ex-prosecutor Katie Haun, asserts Gambaryan's innocence and highlights his deteriorating health and harsh detention conditions. The issue has drawn political attention, with members of Congress urging President Biden to act. Gambaryan and Binance face ongoing legal proceedings in Nigeria involving a $35 million indictment.Over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents have united to urge the immediate release of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, as revealed in a letter sent to Secretary of State Tony Blinken and first reported by Axios. "Tigran is now being held on false charges related to money laundering and tax evasion—he is completely innocent of these charges and, as a mid-tier employee at Binance, does not hold a role that makes him an appropriate stand-in for the company," the letter stated. This effort is spearheaded by former federal prosecutor Katie Haun.
Gambaryan, who previously served as a federal agent, has been detained for approximately three months under "deplorable conditions" without adequate legal or medical assistance despite his deteriorating health, the letter alleges. He is currently held in Kuje Prison, notorious for housing some of Nigeria's most dangerous criminals.
During his tenure as a federal agent, Gambaryan was instrumental in investigating significant cases involving child pornography, national security threats, and terrorism financing. "Several of us worked alongside Tigran during these cases and saw his tireless devotion to the rule of law firsthand," the letter affirmed.
The situation has also garnered political attention. On Wednesday, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX) and 15 other Members of Congress signed a letter to President Joe Biden, urging immediate action to secure Gambaryan's release.
Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, facing accusations that Binance was profiting from illegal transactions within the country. Criminal charges were filed against them on February 28. Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22.
Both Gambaryan and Binance are currently embroiled in a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment in Nigeria, with court proceedings still ongoing. The letter emphasized Gambaryan's lack of involvement in the allegations and highlighted his history of upholding the law, calling for prompt intervention to ensure his release and fair treatment.
