The ordeal that drastically altered Tigran Gambaryan’s life was initially planned as a brief business trip. In February 2024, when he journeyed to Nigeria, the former IRS Special Agent and renowned ‘Crypto Wizard’ – celebrated for his expertise in tracing cryptocurrency transactions for law enforcement – anticipated a short stay. Tigran, now working with Binance, the world’s leading crypto exchange since 2021, was dispatched to Nigeria as a representative. His mission was to engage with Nigerian government officials, aiming to demonstrate the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of Binance and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
A pivotal meeting was scheduled at the headquarters of Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Advisor. However, Tigran recounts enduring an extensive wait, only to face severe accusations upon the officials’ arrival. He states that Binance was accused of various financial crimes and held responsible for the downturn of the Nigerian economy. Subsequently, Tigran was informed that he would be prevented from leaving Nigeria until authorities were satisfied with Binance’s proposed solutions to these alleged issues.
This experience of being detained in Nigeria for eight months is the focus of a recent Planet Money Podcast episode, produced in collaboration with Click Here from Recorded Future News. In his first recorded interview following his release, Tigran Gambaryan shares compelling details about his captivity, his survival within a notorious Nigerian prison, and the circumstances surrounding his eventual freedom.
For listeners keen to understand the intricacies of international finance, cryptocurrency regulation, and personal accounts of resilience, this Planet Money podcast episode is a must-listen. It provides an in-depth exploration of Tigran Gambaryan’s experience, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of global economics and individual liberty.
To delve deeper into Tigran Gambaryan’s gripping story and gain valuable insights into the world of cryptocurrency and international finance, tune into this episode of the Planet Money podcast. You can support Planet Money and access bonus content by subscribing to Planet Money+ on Apple Podcasts or through npr.org.
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