The Binance CEO, Richard Teng, recently made a plea for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking executive at the exchange who has been detained in Nigeria. Teng expressed his belief that Gambaryan’s detention was not only unjust but also set a dangerous precedent for companies operating globally.
According to Teng, Nigeria’s decision to detain Gambaryan, who was in the country for collaborative policy meetings, was an attempt to exert control over Binance. The CEO highlighted that Gambaryan was not a decision-maker or negotiator, but rather a subject matter expert in financial crime compliance. This raises questions about Nigeria’s motives and the methods it is willing to employ to influence foreign companies.
Teng’s message is clear: Nigeria must release Gambaryan and allow him to return home to his family. He emphasized Binance’s willingness to cooperate with Nigerian law enforcement, as they have done over 600 times in the past. The call for justice in this situation is not just for Gambaryan’s well-being but also to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition to the unjust detention of Gambaryan, there have been allegations of corruption surrounding his case. Teng revealed that individuals claiming to represent Nigeria’s House Committee on Financial Crimes demanded a significant payment in crypto in exchange for Gambaryan’s release. The involvement of bribery in a case like this only adds another layer of complexity and potential illegality to the situation.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize justice and fairness. The detention of an innocent individual, coupled with allegations of corruption, paints a troubling picture of the current state of affairs. It is imperative for Nigeria to heed Teng’s call for justice, release Gambaryan, and work towards a more transparent and lawful approach to dealing with foreign entities. The global business community is watching, and the actions taken in this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications.
Leave a Reply