Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan shared insights on his Nigerian detention, focusing on the charges, detention conditions, and international pressure.
Arrest and Charges
Tigran Gambaryan, working at Binance, was detained in Nigeria along with colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla on February 26, 2024. They were accused of money laundering and tax evasion, which Gambaryan claimed was a pretext for leveraging him as an asset.
Detention Conditions and Health
After the arrest, Gambaryan was sent to Kuje Prison where the conditions were severe, and his health started to decline. He contracted pneumonia and malaria and suffered from a herniated disc.
Reaction and Release
International community and US lawmakers began exerting pressure on Nigeria, demanding Gambaryan's release. After growing diplomatic pressure, on October 23, 2024, he was sent back to the United States, despite Nigeria's denial of the charges.
The incident with Tigran Gambaryan highlighted the relations between Nigeria and cryptocurrency firms, as well as raised questions about the legality of such detentions.
