Arrest me instead of my son, Binance executive’s mother begs FG

Knarik Gambaryan, the mother of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, said her son was innocent of the charges brought against him by the Nigerian government.

Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance’s financial crimes compliance chief was arrested in February 2024 alongside another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, upon their arrival in Nigeria.

Their detention followed an investigation allegedly linking Binance to money laundering and terrorism financing.

However, Anjarwalla fled the country and has yet to be extradited from Kenya, where he was located.

But Gambaryan is currently on trial alongside his firm, facing money laundering charges, and has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Concerns have been raised by his family and employer about his health, though the Nigerian Correctional Service has stated that the Binance executive is in good health following medical evaluations.

However, in a statement sent to our correspondent on Friday, Knarik maintained that her son knew nothing about the allegations.

She begged the Nigerian government to allow his son to return home, adding that she was ready to exchange herself for her son’s freedom.

“He’s innocent, that’s all. But I’m asking, and I’m begging everyone who can help my son: please bring him home. That’s all we need,” Knarik said.

“Take me, exchange me for my son, just let him go home! I don’t care what happens to me, just let my son go home!”, Gambaryan’s mother was quoted as saying.