Cryptocurrency exchange Binance is reportedly working closely with the Nigerian government to secure the release of detained financial crimes investigation chief Tigran Gambaryan. Noah Perlman, the company's Chief Compliance Officer, confirmed this today.
Gambaryan, a former IRS special agent who joined Binance in 2021, was arrested on charges of money laundering, tax evasion and manipulating the price of the Nigerian currency. Gambaryan went to Nigeria upon the invitation of the government and did not accept the accusations earlier this week.
Speaking at a cybersecurity conference organized by Chainalysis, Perlman expressed optimism about reaching a solution with the Nigerian government that would lead to Gambaryan's release. But he declined to discuss specific details. “Obviously the whole situation is tragic,” he added.
Gambaryan was detained in February along with fellow executive Nadeem Anjarwalla during a visit to Nigeria to discuss government concerns with the country's officials. They were detained without any charges and placed under house arrest. Anjarwalla managed to escape, and criminal charges were later filed against both executives and Binance last month.
*This is not investment advice.
