108 ex-prosecutors and feds called to rescue Binance executive in Nigeria, saying that the US government’s decision not to help Tigran Gambaryan is dire.
Tigran Gambaryan is the head of financial crimes and compliance at Binance. A letter signed by over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents of the United States demands that the U.S. Department of State obtain Gambaryan’s release from detention in Nigeria.
The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken dated June 6 said, “The U.S. government’s efforts to date have been wholly lacking, and the consequences of further inaction are potentially dire.”
The ex-public servants recognized Gambaryan’s ten years of national service as an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Special Agent.
After noting that “a number of us worked alongside Tigran during these cases and witnessed his unwavering dedication to the rule of law firsthand.” It details the various cases he previously worked on, including identity theft, terrorism financing, and even “the Silk Road public corruption cases.”
Gambaryan is an executive of “mid-tier”
Because of his position at Binance, the group argues that Tigran should not be accountable for the company’s conduct. He is detained on “false charges” related to tax evasion and money laundering.
It stated, “He does not have a position at Binance that would make him a suitable stand-in for the company and is innocent of these accusations.”
Tigran and other Binance staff visited Nigeria in January to discuss financial compliance with Nigerian authorities.
Following the meeting, they approached Nigerian officials who asked for a “substantial payment” to resolve alleged Binance compliance issues.
Soon after, fearing for their lives, they quickly left the nation. Just one month later, Tigran was welcomed back into the country, where it is said that he was detained and had his passport confiscated.
In February, the Nigerian government detained Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla on money laundering and tax evasion charges. While Anjarwalla escaped custody and went to Kenya, Gambaryan stayed at the Kuje detention facility in Abuja, Nigeria.
