Tigran Gambaryan has been wrongfully detained by the government of Nigeria since February 2024, over a dispute with Tigran’s employer, Binance. Tigran traveled to Nigeria, under the promise of safe passage from the government, to discuss cryptocurrency regulation in the country. When he arrived, Tigran was taken into custody without any charges being filed for weeks. The charges that were eventually brought related to tax violations and money laundering – neither of which are activities for which Tigran had any responsibility. There is no evidence of any personal liability for any of these crimes against Tigran. The Nigerians subsequently dismissed all of the tax charges against Tigran. During a bail hearing in April, the prosecutor highlighted that Binance is the real target, and that Tigran was being held because the Nigerian government is not able to act directly against Binance. The prosecutor stated, “The first defendant [Binance] is operating virtually. The only thing we have to hold on to is this defendant [Tigran].”
Since his imprisonment, Tigran’s health has deteriorated, with doctors stating he needs immediate medical care. He has experienced pneumonia and malaria in prison. He is also unable to walk without assistance, because of a herniated disc. He is being denied the proper medical care, jeopardizing his health and safety. For humanitarian reasons alone, he should be released immediately.
Moreover, Tigran was arrested not because of any individual action he took. Governments cannot use individuals to retaliate against organizations with whom they have a grievance. Tigran is innocent and is being used as a political pawn against his employer.
