Binance, a major player in the cryptocurrency world, is urgently asking the US government and international bodies to pressure Nigeria to release one of its top executives, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been held in custody for six months. Binance insists that Gambaryan’s detention is unjust and claims his physical and mental health are rapidly declining due to a lack of proper medical care and legal access.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has voiced serious concerns about Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, pointing out that he is suffering from a herniated disc that has left him in severe pain and unable to walk. Despite his condition, Nigerian authorities have allegedly denied him basic medical assistance, including a wheelchair. The situation has worsened because the government has not complied with a court order to release Gambaryan’s medical records, further preventing him from receiving necessary care.
The allegations against Gambaryan are seen by Binance as baseless and part of an attempt to blame the company for Nigeria’s economic issues, particularly the sharp decline of the Naira, Nigeria’s currency. Teng argues that Binance’s operations in Nigeria are minor and that the country’s economic troubles are due to larger, global factors beyond the company's control. He stated, “There is no need to imprison an innocent employee to answer for any allegations against Binance.”
In response to Gambaryan’s continued detention, Binance is stepping up its efforts to secure his release. The company is urging the US government to label Gambaryan as "unlawfully detained," a designation that could increase political pressure on Nigeria to free him on humanitarian grounds. Binance is also calling on people and organizations worldwide to condemn Nigeria’s detention practices and advocate for Gambaryan’s release.
Despite this conflict, Binance has expressed a willingness to work with Nigeria in the future, particularly in developing the country’s Web3 industry and attracting foreign investment. However, this cooperation is contingent on Gambaryan’s release. Teng emphasized that the Nigerian government can easily reverse its decision to detain Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent, and allow him to return home to his family. He concluded by appealing on humanitarian grounds to Nigerian authorities to let Gambaryan return to his wife and children.
In summary, Binance is making every effort to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, who the company believes has been wrongly detained by the Nigerian government. Binance is calling for international support to pressure Nigeria to uphold human rights and release Gambaryan. While the company remains open to future collaboration with Nigeria, resolving this issue is crucial before any further engagement can take place.
