QuickTake

• Tigran Gambaryan, Binance executive, has been imprisoned in Nigeria since April on charges of money laundering.
• His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expresses frustration over the U.S. government’s slow response to his situation.
• Members of Congress are urging the White House to intervene in the case.
• Gambaryan has only spoken to her husband twice since his imprisonment.

In an emotional and revealing interview with DL News, Yuki Gambaryan shared the harrowing ordeal her husband, Tigran Gambaryan, is facing in a Nigerian prison. Tigran, a prominent executive at Binance and former investigative agent for the Internal Revenue Service, has been detained since April on what his lawyer describes as unfounded money laundering and tax evasion charges. As the months drag on, Yuki’s frustration with the U.S. government’s slow response is mounting, and she is calling for more decisive action to secure her husband’s release.

The Unplanned Detainment

The ordeal began in February when Tigran Gambaryan embarked on what was supposed to be a brief two-day trip to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Yuki recounted a poignant moment before his departure, “He was like, ‘I don’t need a bigger suitcase, right? Because I’m gonna be there only for two days.’” Those two days have stretched into more than three months, with no end in sight.

Arrest and Initial Detention

On the second day of his visit, Nigerian officials seized Tigran’s passport and confined him to a guarded “guest house.” By the fourth day, authorities had secured a court order to detain him for two weeks. This initial detention was only the beginning of a prolonged and distressing legal battle.

Escalating Charges

Approximately four weeks into his detention, the situation worsened. Officials confiscated Tigran’s phone, and he was formally charged with facilitating money laundering and tax evasion by Nigeria’s anti-corruption ministry and tax agency. These charges, according to his lawyer, are baseless and politically motivated.

Yuki Gambaryan’s Struggle

Yuki Gambaryan’s frustration with the situation is palpable. She has only managed to speak with Tigran twice since his imprisonment began, and each conversation has been fraught with uncertainty and anxiety. “I am shocked at how long it took for us to get to this point,” she said during the interview. “It feels like the US government just got to the starting line now, which should have happened a long time ago.”

Calls for U.S. Government Intervention

The slow response from Washington has been a source of immense frustration for Yuki and those close to Tigran. Members of Congress have begun to take notice and are urging the White House to intervene. They argue that the charges against Tigran are a clear example of judicial overreach and that immediate action is needed to secure his release.

The Role of the U.S. Government

Despite the mounting pressure, the U.S. government’s response has been sluggish. The Gambaryan family expected more robust diplomatic efforts, given Tigran’s status as a prominent figure in the financial compliance sector and his previous role with the IRS. The perceived lack of urgency has compounded the family’s distress.

Impact on Binance and the Crypto Community

Tigran’s detention has not only affected his family but has also sent ripples through the broader cryptocurrency community. As Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, his absence is keenly felt. Colleagues and industry peers are rallying for his release, emphasizing his contributions to the fight against financial crimes in the crypto space.

A Plea for Justice

Yuki Gambaryan remains steadfast in her plea for justice. She continues to advocate tirelessly for her husband’s release, engaging with media, legal experts, and government officials. Her determination is fueled by a deep sense of injustice and the hope that international pressure will eventually lead to Tigran’s freedom.

The Broader Implications

The case of Tigran Gambaryan highlights broader issues related to international law and the treatment of expatriates. It underscores the complexities of navigating legal systems in foreign countries and the critical role of diplomatic intervention in such cases. For the cryptocurrency community, it also raises questions about the vulnerabilities faced by industry leaders operating on a global stage.

Conclusion

As Tigran Gambaryan languishes in a Nigerian prison, the call for his release grows louder. His wife, Yuki, supported by members of Congress and the crypto community, is demanding swift action from the U.S. government. This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective diplomatic interventions to protect citizens abroad and uphold justice. As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will reunite Tigran with his family and restore faith in the power of international advocacy.