Richard Weber, the former Chief of Investigations at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), has raised alarm about the severe circumstances surrounding Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently imprisoned in Nigeria.
In a recent episode of Illicit Edge’s “Designated” podcast aired on October 3, Weber described Gambaryan’s experience in Kuje prison as troubling, noting he is confined with “the worst of the worst” criminals, including terrorists.
“It’s a facility filled with dangerous individuals. Here we have a former law enforcement officer and dedicated public servant who is now working at a cryptocurrency company as a mid-level employee, trying to address a compliance issue. He ends up arrested and placed in the same environment,” Weber stated.
He called on the U.S. government to take action for Gambaryan’s release, emphasizing the need for him to return to his family, including his wife Yuki and their two young children in California.
“Tigran is essentially being held hostage. He hasn’t committed any crime. He’s been imprisoned for over 200 days—nearly eight months—without a clear explanation of what he allegedly did wrong. It seems even the Nigerian authorities are uncertain about the charges,” Weber added.
Gambaryan was apprehended in late February 2024 during a visit to Nigeria intended for discussions on digital asset policy, despite prior assurances of safe passage.
His detention on allegations of tax evasion and money laundering has sparked skepticism within the cryptocurrency community regarding the legitimacy of his arrest.
U.S. Congressman French Hill (R-AR) characterized Gambaryan as a “pawn in a Nigerian political struggle.”
Since his arrest, Gambaryan’s health has reportedly deteriorated sharply, with reports indicating he is suffering from both malaria and double pneumonia. Video footage from a court hearing in early September revealed Gambaryan struggling to walk, compounded by issues related to a herniated disc.
“I’m not okay,” Gambaryan pleaded in the video. “Why couldn’t I use a wheelchair? This is a show. I’m innocent—why are you doing this to me?”
Weber’s comments come in the wake of a previous episode of “Designated,” during which Yuki Gambaryan spoke out for her husband’s release. She described the ordeal as a “complete disregard for justice and humanity” and expressed growing concern about maintaining hope in such dire circumstances.
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