Calls for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, are intensifying. Binance CEO Richard Teng and Gambaryan’s family have urged Nigerian authorities to free him, expressing grave concerns about his deteriorating health and the conditions of his confinement.
In an August 27 statement, Richard Teng highlighted the severe impact of Gambaryan’s prolonged detention, stressing that he is suffering from significant health issues, including severe pain that has left him unable to walk. Teng emphasized that Gambaryan’s detainment is based on baseless allegations against Binance, and that keeping him in prison is unnecessary.
Gambaryan, who serves as Binance’s head of financial crime compliance and is a former U.S. IRS special agent, was detained in Nigeria alongside a colleague after a meeting with local officials regarding regulatory concerns. Initially accused of tax evasion and money laundering, the charges have led to a prolonged legal battle. Although the tax-related charges were dropped in June, Gambaryan still faces money laundering accusations and is scheduled to appear in court on September 2.
Reports indicate that Gambaryan’s health has significantly declined during his detention due to the denial of necessary medical care. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, recently posted a video describing his condition, stating that he is suffering from multiple illnesses, including malaria and pneumonia, and is at risk of permanent damage if he does not receive proper treatment.
The situation has attracted international attention, with U.S. lawmakers calling on President Biden to intervene. A petition demanding Gambaryan’s release has garnered over 5,000 signatures, reflecting growing public concern over his unjust detention.
As the legal process continues, Binance remains committed to resolving the situation amicably with the Nigerian government, as it has done in other countries. However, the ongoing detention of Gambaryan has raised significant concerns about his health and the fairness of the charges against him.
