A group of more than 100 former federal prosecutors and agents in the United States have signed a letter urging the U.S. Department of State to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crimes and compliance at Binance, who is currently in custody in Nigeria.
The letter, dated June 6 and addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, criticized the U.S. government’s lack of effort in Gambaryan’s case, warning of potential dire consequences if no action is taken. The signatories, who acknowledged Gambaryan’s ten years of service as a Special Agent with the IRS, praised his dedication to upholding the rule of law in various cases, including those involving child pornography, terrorism financing, identity theft, and the Silk Road public corruption cases.
The group emphasized that Gambaryan, described as a “mid-tier” executive, is facing false charges of money laundering and tax evasion, and should not be held accountable for Binance’s actions due to his position within the company. They insisted on his innocence and argued that his role does not make him a suitable scapegoat for the company.
In January, Gambaryan and other Binance employees visited Nigeria for discussions on financial compliance with local officials. Following the meeting, Nigerian authorities approached them for a significant payment to address compliance issues. Concerned for their safety, the group left the country, but Gambaryan returned a month later only to have his passport confiscated and be arrested.
In February, the Nigerian government arrested Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion. While Anjarwalla managed to evade custody and flee to Kenya, Gambaryan remained in the Kuje correctional center in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The letter, signed by a total of 108 former officials, highlighted the urgency of Gambaryan’s situation and called for immediate action to secure his release.