Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, has written to the Nigerian government, urging the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive detained for over six months. Teng described Gambaryan’s continued detention as “unjust, unfair, and unlawful.”
Gambaryan’s health has severely deteriorated, with a herniated disc leaving him in severe pain and unable to walk. Despite a court order, Nigerian authorities have denied him medical records and access to his legal counsel.
Teng highlighted the following concerns:
1. Gambaryan’s declining health due to lack of proper medical treatment.
2. Denial of access to his US consulate representative.
3. Unconstitutional denial of legal counsel.
4. Failure to provide medical records despite a court order.
Teng appealed for Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds, allowing him to seek medical treatment in the US. He emphasized Binance’s willingness to collaborate with governments and disputed allegations against the company, including claims of responsibility for the Naira’s decline.
Key points:
– Binance ceased P2P services in Nigeria in February 2024.
– The company’s revenue is based on low transaction fees, not the reported $26 billion.
– Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed concerns about his worsening health.
Teng called on the US government and international community to pressure Nigeria for Gambaryan’s release, warning that Nigeria’s actions could harm its economic development and international relations.
