More than 100 federal prosecutors and former federal agents in the United States have signed a letter pressuring the US State Department to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, head of financial crimes and compliance at Binance, detained in Nigeria.
“The U.S. government’s efforts to date have been completely ineffective, and the consequences of further inaction are likely to be disastrous,” said the June 6 letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The group of former government officials recognized Gambarian’s ten years of service to the nation as a special agent of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“Many of us worked alongside Tigran during these cases and saw first-hand his tireless dedication to the rule of law,” the report notes, before listing the types of cases he had previously worked on, ranging from child pornography and terrorist financing to identity theft and identity theft. even “cases” of public corruption on the Silk Road.
Gambaryan is a “middle class” CEO.
The group claims that Tigran is now detained on “false charges” related to money laundering and tax evasion, and that his position at Binance should not make him responsible for the company’s actions.
“He is completely innocent of these accusations, and as a mid-level employee at Binance, he is not in a role that would make him a suitable replacement for the company,” the letter states.
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In January, Tigran, along with other Binance employees, traveled to Nigeria to participate in discussions with Nigerian officials regarding financial compliance.
After the meeting, Nigerian officials contacted them, requesting a “substantial payment” to resolve reported compliance issues related to Binance.
Fearing for their safety, they immediately left the country shortly after. However, Tigran was invited back to the country after just a month, where his passport was allegedly confiscated and he was arrested.
In February, the Nigerian government arrested Gambarian and Nadeem Angarwala on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion. Angarwala escaped detention and fled to Kenya, while Gambarian remained at Kuje Correctional Center in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
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