A coalition of 18 US attorneys general is urging President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to designate Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan as a hostage.
Gambaryan, who has been held without formal charges in Nigeria for months, is facing life-threatening conditions, including malaria, in one of the country’s most dangerous prisons.
The attorneys general claim that Gambaryan’s detention is politically motivated, with Nigerian authorities using him as leverage in a dispute with Binance.
His health continues to decline as he endures untreated illnesses.
“Tigran Gambaryan’s detention is an unjust tragedy,” said Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes, “Bring Mr. Gambaryan home to his family.”
Growing support
Despite efforts by his legal team, Gambaryan has been denied bail, and his trial has faced repeated delays.
His absence from a recent court appearance due to severe illness has raised concerns about his ability to endure further imprisonment.
Nigerian officials, however, downplayed the severity of his health issues, claiming that he is receiving adequate medical care.
In a letter to the Biden administration, the attorneys general urged the application of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
This would unlock resources and apply diplomatic pressure to secure Gambaryan’s release.
“This is not just a legal matter, but a humanitarian one,” said Attorney General Reyes.
Gambaryan, a former IRS special agent, was arrested after travelling to Nigeria to discuss crypto regulations with local officials.
Upon arrival, he was detained without cause, and his passport was confiscated. He has since been held in Kuje Prison, known for its violent conditions and extremist inmates.
His next court appearance is set for October 25.
