The Nigerian government has refuted claims that Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is being held in poor prison conditions. In a statement issued on June 21, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, addressed the allegations regarding Gambaryan’s health and the prison conditions he is reportedly experiencing.
Idris emphasized that Gambaryan’s detention is based on a court order, and only the court has the authority to modify the terms or order his release. The minister assured that despite being in lawful custody, Gambaryan has access to necessary healthcare services.
Furthermore, Idris highlighted that Gambaryan is receiving full consular support from his home government. The Nigerian government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Gambaryan’s fundamental rights, including access to quality healthcare and a fair trial as he faces legal proceedings in Nigeria.
Representative French Hill and Representative Chrissy Houlahan, two United States Members of Congress, recently visited Gambaryan at the Kuje Detention facility on June 19, 2024. They shared a video of the visit on X, urging for his release.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to follow the example of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and release her husband. U.S. lawmakers have supported her plea, stating that Gambaryan has dedicated his professional life to combatting money laundering and tax evasion. They highlighted his 10-year tenure as a special agent at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, where he successfully led investigations into cyber and financial crimes.
During a hearing on June 21, Abdulkadir Abbas, a director at the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, continued his testimony in the EFCC’s case against Binance and Gambaryan. Abbas reiterated that Binance had not obtained the necessary registration to operate in Nigeria. The case has been adjourned to July 1 for further cross-examination.
As the pressure on crypto-related crime increases, enforcement agencies in the United States are intensifying their efforts to combat such activities.