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Detained Binance Executive in Nigeria Declared a Hostage by Former IRS Chief
Detained Binance Executive in Nigeria Declared a Hostage by Former IRS Chief
The ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a mid-level executive at Binance, in Nigeria has drawn significant concern from Richard Weber, the former Chief of Investigations for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Speaking on the podcast “Illicit Edge’s ‘Designated,'” Weber characterized Gambaryan’s situation as dire, expressing alarm over the unsafe conditions in Kuje prison, where Gambaryan is held alongside dangerous criminals.
Gambaryan was arrested in February, purportedly over allegations of tax evasion and money laundering related to Binance’s operations in Nigeria. His granted invitation to Nigeria has taken a troubling turn, as he has now spent nearly eight months in detention without clear charges against him. Weber emphasized that Gambaryan is a “hostage” who has done nothing wrong, calling attention to the ambiguity surrounding his legal circumstances.
The health of Gambaryan is another pressing issue. According to reports, he has suffered significant health challenges during his imprisonment, including pneumonia and malaria, exacerbated by pre-existing conditions. Recent videos from court appearances show him struggling to walk, raising alarms among his family and U.S. authorities, who are advocating for his release. The Nigerian government, however, has dismissed claims regarding the severity of his health issues.
This case has escalated amid a broader conflict between the Nigerian government and Binance, with accusations of currency manipulation leading to the devaluation of the Naira. Binance has sought to navigate regulatory challenges in various countries, underscoring the complex intersection of cryptocurrency and international law.
As the situation unfolds, the call for Gambaryan’s release grows more urgent, with Weber urging U.S. authorities to intervene and reunite him with his family in California. The case not only raises questions about corporate governance and compliance in the crypto space but also highlights the ramifications of international detentions without adequate legal clarity.
