Tech
U.S. Calls for Release of Binance Employee Detained in Nigeria
The U.S. government urges the release of a Binance employee detained in Nigeria, highlighting concerns over the treatment of individuals involved in cryptocurrency. Explore the implications of this situation for international relations and the crypto industry.
U.S. Government Urges Nigeria to Release Binance Employee
The U.S. government has formally urged the Nigerian authorities to release Tigran Gambaryan, an employee of the prominent cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who was apprehended in February. His imprisonment has raised serious health concerns, prompting calls for his release from various senior officials within the State Department.
According to two high-ranking State Department officials, the situation surrounding Gambaryan’s detention has become a critical issue affecting the diplomatic relations between the United States and Nigeria. These officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, highlighted the urgency of the situation.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the issue directly with Nigeria’s foreign minister during talks in May, emphasizing the need for Gambaryan’s release. U.S. diplomats, including the ambassador to Nigeria, have also engaged in private discussions with key Nigerian leaders, such as the president, finance minister, attorney general, and trade minister, advocating for Gambaryan’s humanitarian release.
Gambaryan, 40, has reportedly faced severe health issues while in custody, suffering from malaria and complications related to a herniated disk. His family has expressed concern over the lack of adequate medical care, which they believe has exacerbated his deteriorating health condition.
Gambaryan’s trip to Nigeria in February was intended to facilitate meetings with local officials regarding Binance’s operations within the country. However, Nigerian authorities have accused Binance, recognized as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, of undermining the national economy by enabling users to transfer funds outside of the local currency, the naira, which has led to significant economic instability.
Nigerian prosecutors have charged both Gambaryan and Binance with serious allegations, including tax evasion and money laundering. While the tax evasion charges against Gambaryan have been dismissed, the other allegations remain active. Binance has firmly denied these accusations, asserting that Gambaryan was merely a mid-level employee and should not be held liable for the actions of the company.