Binance calls for release of employee detained by Nigeria
Tigran Gambaryan
Binance CEO Richard Teng has expressed concern over the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, one of its mid-level employees held in custody by the Nigerian government.
In a statement by Binance, Teng said despite numerous efforts at constructive engagement and a willingness to meet the demands of Nigerian authorities, an innocent employee remains detained.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (British-Kenyan citizen) Binance’s Africa regional manager, were detained following their arrival in Abuja, on Feb. 26, 2024.
They were accused of Binance making illegal-transaction profits locally.
Criminal charges were filed against them on Feb. 28, however, Anjarwalla later escaped from custody on March 22.
According to Teng, a meeting was scheduled for February 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm at ONSA’s offices in Abuja, with the National Security Advisor; the Chief Executive of the SEC; and, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expected to attend.
He said despite the clear risks, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla received multiple assurances that they would be granted safe passage for their meetings.
“Following the meeting, Tigran and Nadeem were escorted to their hotel, asked to pack their belongings, and moved to the secure compound, which was controlled by ONSA,” Teng said.
“Their mobile phones were confiscated, and it was made clear to them that they were not free to leave. Both Nadeem and Tigran had no control over when and with whom they spoke.
“From this point on, Tigran and Nadeem were under detention. Both the UK High Commission and the US Embassy were alerted in the overnight hours of the detention of Tigran and Nadeem.”
The Binance CEO stressed
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