The CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, has publicly pleaded with the Nigerian government to free Tigran Gambaryan, who leads the cryptocurrency exchange's Financial Crime Compliance team. "This ordeal has been deeply distressing for Tigran, his family and friends, as well as the entire Binance community," said Binance CEO Richard Teng. We are still doing everything in our power to help Tigran. This backing is steadfast.

The CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, has publicly pleaded with the Nigerian government to free Tigran Gambaryan, who leads the cryptocurrency exchange's Financial Crime Compliance team.

Earlier, on February 25, Gambaryan and his associate Nadeem Anjarwalla had taken a plane to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, to discuss cryptocurrency legislation and compliance requirements with Nigerian authorities. However, they were detained soon after the meetings.

The situation escalated further when Gambaryan was reportedly approached by "unknown persons," who demanded a substantial bribe, which Binance declined through its legal counsel.

Although Anjarwalla managed to escape custody, Gambaryan has been detained by Nigerian authorities for over 70 days, and is now facing money laundering charges.