A cohort of U.S. lawmakers has made an urgent appeal to President Joe Biden and key administration officials, advocating for the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently detained in Nigeria. Spearheaded by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, this plea underscores the gravity of Gambaryan’s health and legal predicaments as he faces charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
Detainment and Deteriorating Health
Tigran Gambaryan, who has served as Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained three months ago following a series of meetings with Nigerian authorities that soured. Reports indicate that since his detainment, Gambaryan has been subjected to harsh conditions in Nigeria’s notorious Kuje Prison, intended to house high-risk offenders such as ISIS combatants. Recently, his health has sharply declined, with confirmed cases of malaria exacerbating his situation. Despite a court order mandating medical treatment at a private hospital, Nigerian prison authorities have reportedly not complied fully, prompting concerns from U.S. officials and Gambaryan’s family.
Congressional Letter Highlights Urgency
The congressional letter addressed to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, details the severe conditions under which Gambaryan is being held and the inadequate medical care he has received. The lawmakers’ letter categorically states the need for swift action,
“We fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late.”
Binance vs. Nigeria
The issues leading to Gambaryan’s detainment stem from a broader regulatory and operational challenge faced by Binance in Nigeria. Following the implementation of new digital asset regulations by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2022, Binance has struggled with compliance, leading to accusations of illegal operations. Gambaryan’s trip to Nigeria was part of an effort to address these compliance issues directly with local authorities.
Binance Sees Significant XRP Withdrawals, Crypto Community ReactsInternational Implications and Calls for Justice
The situation has garnered international attention, with Binance CEO Richard Teng publicly calling for Gambaryan’s release last month. Teng praised Gambaryan’s extensive contributions to global financial crime prevention efforts, which included aiding in the freezing and seizing of over $2.2 billion in illicit assets. As the case drags on, there is growing concern over the potential misuse of legal systems for political or financial gain, especially considering the strategic interests in regulating cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria.
