Binance is actively engaging with the Nigerian government to facilitate the release of Tigran Gambaryan, the cryptocurrency exchange’s head of financial crimes investigations, who has been detained since February. Chief Compliance Officer Noah Perlman expressed the exchange’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian authorities during his recent address at a cybersecurity conference hosted by Chainalysis.
A Detailed Look into the Detention
Tigran Gambaryan, who joined Binance in 2021 after serving as an IRS special agent, faces charges of money laundering, tax evasion, and manipulation of Nigeria’s currency, allegations to which he has pleaded not guilty. Gambaryan’s visit to Nigeria, on the invitation of the Nigerian government, turned sour when he was detained under circumstances that Perlman describes as “tragic.”
Efforts Toward a Resolution
Perlman remains optimistic about reaching a satisfactory resolution with the Nigerian government, ensuring Gambaryan’s release. The specifics of the ongoing negotiations remain confidential, but Binance’s proactive approach underscores the severity with which it views its executive’s detention.
Incident Overview
The incident began with Gambaryan and fellow executive Nadeem Anjarwalla traveling to Nigeria to address the government’s concerns directly. Unfortunately, both were detained and placed under house arrest without formal charges. Anjarwalla managed to escape, but the Nigerian government subsequently filed charges against Gambaryan, Anjarwalla, and Binance last month.
In response to the situation, Binance has reiterated that Gambaryan does not hold decision-making power within the company, highlighting the complex dynamics of the case.
As Binance navigates this challenging situation, the crypto and financial crimes investigation communities watch closely, hoping for a swift and fair resolution that underscores the importance of international cooperation in the digital asset space.
