U.S. Government Urges Nigeria to Release Binance Employee
The U.S. government has formally called on Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan, an employee of the prominent cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who was apprehended in February. His detention has raised serious concerns, particularly as he has been experiencing escalating medical issues while incarcerated, according to two senior officials from the State Department.
Gambaryan, a former law enforcement officer in the United States, has become a pivotal point of contention in the diplomatic dialogue between the United States and Nigeria. Sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity emphasized the sensitivity of this matter. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the issue directly with Nigeria’s foreign minister during a meeting in May, highlighting the U.S. government’s growing concern.
In addition to Secretary Blinken, other U.S. diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, have engaged in private discussions with several high-ranking Nigerian officials. These conversations have included appeals to Nigeria’s president, finance minister, attorney general, and trade minister regarding Gambaryan’s situation.
The United States has advocated for Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds, citing his deteriorating health due to malaria and complications associated with a herniated disk. His family has voiced deep concerns over the lack of adequate medical treatment, which they believe is exacerbating his condition.
Gambaryan was in Nigeria for meetings with local officials regarding Binance’s operations within the country when he was arrested. Nigerian authorities have accused Binance, recognized as the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally, of negatively impacting the Nigerian economy by enabling users to transfer funds away from the local currency, the naira, which has contributed to its devaluation.
Legal actions have been taken against both Gambaryan and Binance, with charges of tax evasion and money laundering. Although the tax evasion charges against Gambaryan were dropped, other serious allegations remain. In response, Binance has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that Gambaryan was merely a mid-level employee and should not be held accountable for the company’s overarching actions.
