A group of over 100 former U.S. federal prosecutors and agents have joined forces to urge the U.S. Department of State to take action and secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crimes and compliance at Binance, who is currently detained in Nigeria.
In a letter dated June 6 addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the former government officials expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of effort from the U.S. government in Gambaryan’s case. They warned of potentially dire consequences if no action is taken.
The letter highlighted Gambaryan’s decade-long service as a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), praising his dedication to upholding the rule of law. It mentioned the various types of cases he has been involved in, including child pornography, terrorism financing, identity theft, and the Silk Road public corruption cases.
The group emphasized that Gambaryan is facing false charges of money laundering and tax evasion, and his role as a “mid-tier” executive at Binance should not make him accountable for the company’s actions. They firmly stated that he is innocent of the charges brought against him.
In January, Gambaryan and other Binance employees visited Nigeria for discussions on financial compliance. After a meeting with Nigerian officials, they were asked for a significant payment to address compliance issues. Concerned for their safety, they left the country. However, Gambaryan returned a month later, only to have his passport confiscated and be arrested.
In February, Gambaryan was arrested by the Nigerian government, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla managed to evade custody and fled to Kenya, while Gambaryan remains in detention at the Kuje correctional center in Abuja, Nigeria.
The signatories of the letter are calling for swift action to secure Gambaryan’s release and ensure that justice is served in his case.