Former US prosecutors urge State Secretary to rescue detained Binance exec in Nigeria: report

Over 100 former federal prosecutors and federal agents joined forces to urge the prompt release of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in a letter sent to Secretary of State Tony Blinken, first seen 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,” said the letter, spearheaded by former federal prosecutor Katie Haun, as reported by Axios.

Gambaryan, who is also a former federal agent, has been held hostage in “deplorable conditions” for about three months without proper assistance to seek legal or medical help despite his declining health, according to the letter. 

The letter claimed that Kuje Prison, where Gambaryan is currently held captive, has imprisoned some of the worst criminals in Nigerian history. Gambaryan, however, helped investigate prominent cases involving child pornography, national security, terrorism financing, among other major crimes. “Several of us worked alongside Tigran during these cases and saw his tireless devotion to the rule of law firsthand,” the letter said.

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 calling for immediate action to bring back Gambaryan.

Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, were detained following their arrival in Nigeria on Feb. 26, amid accusations of Binance making illegal-transaction profits locally. Criminal charges were filed against them on Feb. 28. Anjarwalla later escaped from custody on March 22.

Gambaryan and Binance are facing a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment in Nigeria, while the court process is still ongoing.