Binance-gID_7.jpg@png” />
In summary
- The wife of Tigran Gambaryan, a top Binance executive accused of laundering $35 million in Nigeria, has called on the U.S. government to intervene in what she considers the unlawful detention of her husband.
- Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, has been held in a Nigerian jail since February on money laundering charges, and his health has deteriorated while in jail.
- Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, urged the US government to use all available tools to free her husband, who risks permanent damage.
The wife of Tigran Gambaryan, a top Binance executive accused of laundering $35 million in Nigeria, has called on the US government to intervene in what she considers the unlawful detention of her husband.
Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, has been held in a Nigerian jail since February on money laundering charges. Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated while in jail, but a Nigerian court rejected his request for bail in May, citing concerns about a possible flight risk.
“The U.S. government must do more to help Tigran. I urge them to use every tool available to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent harm,” Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, said in a statement released today. “I am also deeply concerned by recent statements by Nigerian authorities denying Tigran’s health issues,” she added.
Yuki Gambaryan’s calls echo the words of Binance CEO Richard Teng, who last week also called for US intervention in the Tigran case. Additionally, US Congressmen French Hill (R-AR) and Rich McCormik (R-GA) introduced a House resolution in July, urging their colleagues in Congress to formally recognize Gambaryan as a hostage.
Gambaryan spent 10 years as an IRS agent, according to his LinkedIn profile, before becoming Binance’s head of financial crimes compliance after joining the firm in 2021. Nigerian authorities have charged Gambaryan with money laundering while simultaneously accusing Binance, the world’s largest Cryptocurrency exchange by volume, of tax evasion.
The sub-Saharan African country alleged that Binance, which was hugely popular in Nigeria, played a role in the collapse of the country’s currency, the naira, which has seen extreme volatility this year. The BBC reported in March that the Nigerian government was demanding nearly $10 billion in compensation from Binance.
Gambaryan’s lawyers say he should be released on medical grounds due to a herniated disk that left him immobile, as well as several severe bouts of malaria. At one point, Gambaryan even collapsed in court. His lawyers also claim his herniated disk requires specialized surgery to treat.
However, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which handles money laundering cases, says Gambaryan has had a herniated disk for more than a decade and dismissed the Binance executive’s health complaints as exaggerated.
“This situation is completely unfair,” Yuki Gambaryan said in her statement. “My husband was illegally detained by the Nigerian government after being invited under false pretenses for a meeting in their country.”
Yuki Gambatyan said her husband’s health has worsened while in prison and that “he is suffering so much that he can barely walk.” She says the prison has withheld the executive’s medical records for months and that partial records released today conclude that Tigran needs surgery.
Daily Debrief Newsletter
Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.
For the Latest Crypto News, Follow ©KeynoteUSA on Twitter Or Google News.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this page is for News purposes only and should not be considered investment or trading advice. ©Crypto.keynoteusa.com strongly recommends that you conduct independent research and/or consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
