Support for Tigran Gambaryan: A Call for Justice

A group of former government employees and compliance officials, now prominent figures within the cryptocurrency industry, gathered in front of the United Nations on a Wednesday to advocate for Tigran Gambaryan. Gambaryan, who currently serves as the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been detained in Nigeria since February. His detention raises significant concerns about the treatment of individuals in the crypto sector and the broader implications for compliance professionals working internationally.

Gambaryan’s detention is primarily linked to allegations of money laundering aimed at Binance, a company that has been scrutinized by various governments worldwide. The Nigerian prosecution has targeted Gambaryan not merely as an individual but as a representative of the company he works for, which emphasizes the growing tension between regulatory bodies and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency industry.

Currently, Gambaryan is being held in Kuje Prison, a facility notorious for housing individuals accused of serious crimes, including terrorism. Reports indicate that his health has significantly deteriorated during his time in custody; a recent video revealed him struggling to walk with the aid of a crutch. His family spokesperson has disclosed that he is suffering from multiple infections and has been diagnosed with a herniated disc in his back. This situation raises urgent questions about the treatment of detainees and their access to necessary medical care, particularly for individuals who have not been convicted of any crime.

Despite the severity of his situation, the U.S. government only publicly acknowledged Gambaryan’s detention earlier this month. Notably, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had discussions regarding Gambaryan with Nigerian officials back in May, highlighting that the U.S. is aware of the circumstances surrounding his arrest, yet the response has been notably muted. This raises concerns about the level of support that American citizens can expect from their government when facing legal challenges abroad.

Amanda Wick, a former federal prosecutor and government investigator who organized the protest, emphasized the irony of Gambaryan’s situation. She pointed out that he previously worked for the U.S. government as an investigator with the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division, where he played a key role in combating financial crime. Wick stated, “America has fought harder for people who committed crimes in the countries they were detained in than for someone who fought for his country.” This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among compliance professionals regarding the lack of governmental support for their colleagues who find themselves in precarious positions overseas.

Chris Tyrrell, the chief risk and compliance officer at Ondo Finance, echoed Wick’s sentiments, describing Nigeria’s prosecution of Gambaryan as “truly unjust.” He highlighted the troubling precedent it sets for other compliance professionals and foreign workers in the crypto space. The notion that a country would prosecute an individual to garner attention for their employer raises alarms about the potential for abuse of power and the politicization of legal systems.

Gary Weinstein, founder of Infinity Advisory LLC and a former state assistant attorney general, underscored the collective sentiment of the protest attendees, who were all in favor of consumer protections and the establishment of “high-integrity” markets. Weinstein noted that Gambaryan was invited to Nigeria by the government during his visit in February, where he was given “false assurance of safe passage.” This element of his case is particularly concerning as it suggests a breakdown in diplomatic trust and raises questions about the integrity of international business dealings.

The protest not only called for Gambaryan’s immediate release but also served as a broader commentary on the risks faced by professionals in the crypto industry. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, the fear of unjust detainment or persecution in foreign jurisdictions poses significant challenges for those striving to maintain compliance while navigating the complexities of international law.

In conclusion, the ongoing situation surrounding Tigran Gambaryan highlights critical issues regarding the treatment of compliance professionals in the cryptocurrency industry. The support shown at the United Nations protest signifies a collective call to action, urging for greater protections for individuals operating in a global landscape fraught with regulatory uncertainty. It is imperative that governments recognize their responsibility to safeguard their citizens abroad, especially those who are dedicated to upholding the law and contributing positively to their industries.