Money Laundering Scandal: US Authorities Demand Access To Binance Exec Despite Health Issues

Money Laundering Scandal: US Authorities Demand Access To Binance Exec Despite Health Issues

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the United States is actively seeking consular access to a detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently being held at the Kuje custodial centre in Abuja. Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance’s Chief of Financial Crimes Compliance, was arrested in February 2024 alongside another executive, Anjarwalla, upon their arrival in Nigeria. Their arrest followed an investigation linking Binance to alleged money laundering and terrorism financing……CONTINUE READING

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 9 to rule on a fresh bail application submitted by Gambaryan’s legal team.

Concerns about Gambaryan’s health have been raised by Binance’s CEO, Richard Teng, who called for his release, citing his deteriorating condition and inadequate medical care. His family also claims he has been denied access to a wheelchair.

Speaking anonymously to *Sunday PUNCH*, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs source confirmed that the US government is primarily concerned about Gambaryan’s health, especially after his family went public in the US. “The US is not necessarily lobbying, but they are concerned about the lack of consular access to their citizen,” the official said. “Remember, Binance has had its issues in the US as well.”

In response, retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, stated that while the US’s request for consular access is justified, it should not interfere with Nigeria’s legal proceedings. He emphasized that Nigeria respects the US legal system when Nigerians are arrested there and expects the same in return.

Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, a former Consul to Cameroon, reiterated that it is the duty of every embassy to ensure their detained nationals are treated fairly, regardless of the crime. He noted that consular involvement can lead to better treatment for detainees as host countries tend to be more cautious once foreign embassies are engaged in the case.