The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCoN) has expressed concerns over the Nigerian government's detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and current Binance employee. BICCoN issued a statement on June 24 warning that this action could undermine international support for Nigeria.
"The continued detention of Mr. Gambaryan and the attendant tensions are beginning to have ripple effects that threaten Nigerian chances at maintaining and consolidating these crucial collaborations," said BICCoN. "It is imperative to recognize that such actions could lead to a withdrawal of support from international partners, leaving local regulators, law enforcement, and private investigators without the necessary tools and expertise to effectively regulate the industry. This, in turn, could hinder the growth and development of the counter-terrorism efforts of the government and ultimately affect the broader economy. To mitigate these risks and promote a thriving blockchain ecosystem, BICCoN urges the Nigerian government to prioritize constructive dialogue that will lead to a healthy conclusion of the matter."
Gambaryan, who worked for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for over a decade before joining the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, was invited by the Nigerian government to participate in compliance discussions. According to a resolution filed with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, these meetings turned "hostile," leading to Gambaryan's detention on February 26. He was subsequently charged with tax evasion and money laundering and transferred to Kuje Prison, which is known for its harsh conditions. Nigerian officials reportedly admitted in court that Gambaryan is being prosecuted as a substitute for legal action against his employer. Additionally, Gambaryan has tested positive for malaria and has not received adequate medical treatment.
BICCoN stated that the Nigerian blockchain community is "deeply concerned" about Gambaryan's ongoing imprisonment and its potential impact on Nigeria's international reputation and collaborations. The organization emphasized the need for a "balanced approach" from the Nigerian government, considering how Gambaryan's detention might affect emerging industries and other sectors within the country.
According to Vanguard, companies such as Google and Bolt have canceled employees' trips to Nigeria due to fears of similar "arbitrary arrests." This avoidance by multinationals suggests that Gambaryan's imprisonment portrays Nigeria as unsafe and unreliable for business, potentially hindering its economic development compared to other African nations.
The Digital Chamber, a U.S.-based blockchain industry advocacy group, stated that Gambaryan is being held to "coerce" a fine from Binance. In a post on its website, the Chamber described this act as a "state-sponsored kidnapping" and called it a "flagrant violation of international law" that sets a dangerous precedent for American businessmen traveling abroad.
BICCoN aims to support a "collaborative, innovative, and secure blockchain ecosystem in Nigeria," according to its statement. The organization includes stakeholders such as the Blockchain Nigeria User Group (BNUG) and the Cryptography Development Initiative of Nigeria (CDIN). BICCoN is chaired by Lucky Uwakwe.
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