Michaela
Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has accepted The Digital Chamber’s first-ever Hero Award at the DC Blockchain Summit in Washington, D.C., where he has shared details about his detention in Nigeria and the events leading to his release.
At the summit — one of his first public appearances since his detention — Binance’s head of financial crime compliance told the audience that the Nigerian government had effectively held him hostage. Gambaryan suggested that the charges brought against him were merely a pretext to “get something” from Binance.
“It was around the time the [United Nations] General Assembly in 2024 happened is when that pressure really ramped up against the Nigerian government, and it realized that I was more of a liability,” said Gambaryan.
“Before that, they kinda saw me as an asset they could use to get their billions out of Binance,” he added. Gambaryan told the crowd that he hoped that those responsible for his detention in Nigeria would one day face justice.
Representative Warren Davidson presented the award to Tigran Gambaryan, emphasizing the significant personal sacrifices he has endured in connection with the crypto industry.
Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were detained by Nigerian authorities in February 2024 after arriving in the country for discussions regarding Binance’s operations. Gambaryan faced charges related to money laundering and tax violations, as officials investigated alleged irregularities in financial transactions linked to the exchange’s Nigerian platform.
While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody, Gambaryan remained detained and faced serious health issues, including malaria, double pneumonia, and a herniated disc that affected his mobility. During a court hearing in September 2024, Gambaryan visibly struggled to walk.
“I’m not okay,” he stated, frustrated over being denied the use of a wheelchair. Calling the situation a “show,” he insisted on his innocence, expressing anger over how he was treated.
In March 2024, Gambaryan filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of his fundamental rights. His legal team argues that he was wrongfully detained after being invited to Nigeria for a meeting, claiming the charges against him were baseless.
Following repeated appeals from lawmakers and government officials, along with prolonged court delays, Gambaryan was released from his detention in Nigeria and returned to the United States on October 23.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
