A group of former U.S. federal prosecutors and agents has urged the U.S. Department of State to intervene to free Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria. Gambaryan, accused of money laundering and tax evasion, was arrested after traveling to Nigeria to discuss financial compliance.
In a June 6 letter, former officials criticized the U.S. government’s efforts as “wholly lacking.” Gambaryan, a former IRS Special Agent, was noted for his work on cases like the Silk Road. The letter argues that the charges against him are false and urges U.S. diplomacy to secure his release.
Nigerian officials had allegedly demanded a “substantial payment” to address compliance issues, prompting concerns for safety. The Nigerian Minister of Information stated that prosecutors are confident in their case and assured due process.
This case highlights the complex interplay between international diplomacy and legal compliance in the cryptocurrency sector.
