The Chamber of Digital Commerce has issued an urgent appeal in a blog post titled "Urgent Call to Action: American Citizen and Crypto Sector Worker Kidnapped by Nigerian Government". The Chamber is urging President Biden to "employ every diplomatic measure to ensure" the immediate release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan. According to the Chamber's post, Gambaryan was invited to Nigeria under "false pretenses" and was subsequently detained without being charged with any offense.
The Chamber's post suggests that Gambaryan's detention "appears to be a state-sponsored kidnapping," with him being held under armed supervision without his passport. The Chamber warned, "The implications of this act are chilling," adding that "Tigran Gambaryan’s detainment under such dubious circumstances sets a dangerous precedent, signaling that any American businessman abroad, particularly those in the cryptocurrency sector, is vulnerable to similar unlawful actions by foreign governments."
Highlighting Gambaryan's significant contributions in tackling cybercrime, including his involvement in cases such as AlphaBay, the Silk Road crypto theft, and the Welcome to Video child exploitation ring, the Chamber said: "His career, dedicated to upholding justice and security, starkly contrasts with the unfounded circumstances of his arrest." It also noted that Nigeria's detention of Gambaryan differs from the arrest of American citizens in countries like China and Russia because Nigeria is a U.S. ally and receives more than $1 billion of U.S. foreign aid each year. The Chamber further appealed: "We call upon President Biden and the U.S. government to employ every diplomatic measure to ensure Mr. Gambaryan’s immediate release," emphasizing that "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."
In contrast, a representative from the National Security Advisor (NSA) informed Bloomberg that the two executives have not been arrested. Zakari Mijinyawa, a spokesperson for the NSA, said during a phone interview: "It is not necessarily arrest per say," adding that "Meetings and discussions are ongoing. It’s a national security issue and an interagency process is on." According to Bloomberg, the executives had been invited to meet with government officials in Nigeria as the government attempts to address a cost-of-living crisis facing its citizens.
Nigerian lawmakers have also expressed concerns about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions towards the crypto industry, as reported by Premium Times. The House of Representatives in Nigeria is launching an investigation into the situation. Lawmaker Ibrahim Isiaka commented that the government’s detention of the two Binance executives puts Nigeria "in bad light with regards to observance of global statutes on fundamental human rights and rule of law and portrays the country as being dishonest and incompetent." Isiaka also refuted claims that crypto companies are negatively impacting the foreign exchange market, stating these are not supported by facts.
The Chamber of Digital Commerce is a digital asset and blockchain trade association, according to its website. The organization monitors legislative efforts related to digital assets and supports law enforcement efforts to tackle crypto-related crime. In addition, it aims to support innovative blockchain solutions that strengthen national security.