Emmanuel OchayiThe United States Chamber of Digital Commerce has demanded urgent action from President Biden to secure the release of two Binance officials detained in Nigeria.
Labeling the detention as a “distressing breach of international law,” the Chamber emphasized the need for diplomatic intervention.
Speaking out against what they perceive as an unjust act, the Chamber’s statement on their website highlighted the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen, as particularly troubling. Gambaryan, head of Binance’s criminal investigations team, was apprehended without clear charges or explanation, aside from his association with the cryptocurrency exchange.
“In a distressing breach of international law, U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan has been unjustly detained by the Nigerian government,” the Chamber stated. “This incident demands a robust response from the United States. We call upon President Biden and the U.S. government to employ every diplomatic measure to ensure Mr. Gambaryan’s immediate release.”
READ ALSO: Binance Stops Naira Services, Urges Nigerian Users To Withdraw NGN Assets
The Chamber expressed concerns that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for American businesspeople abroad, especially in the cryptocurrency sector. They warned of the risks of similar illegitimate treatment by governments worldwide.
Furthermore, the group alleged that the detention was part of an effort to pressure Binance into paying a hefty fine, equating it to a ransom demand.
The Chamber’s call for action underscored the gravity of the situation, framing it not just as a legal issue but as a matter of national dignity and the protection of American citizens globally.
“The unwarranted detention of Tigran Gambaryan is more than a legal issue; it is a matter of national dignity and the protection of American citizens worldwide,” the Chamber emphasized. “We stand in solidarity with Mr. Gambaryan and his family during this trying time and urge swift action to rectify this grave injustice.”
This plea for intervention comes in the wake of the arrest of two Binance executives by Nigerian authorities, who accused them of involvement in foreign exchange trading malpractices. The executives, one British and one American were in Nigeria to address regulatory concerns surrounding the cryptocurrency trading platform.
Previously, Nigerian law enforcement and financial regulators had accused Binance of facilitating illegal money transfers and manipulating the valuation of the naira.
