Some U.S. politicians believe President Joe Biden should do something now to negotiate the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a compliance officer with Binance currently detained in Nigeria.
In a June 4 letter to President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, 12 U.S. lawmakers expressed concerns about Gambaryan’s detention. The lawmakers argue that Gambaryan is being held on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. They said the terms were baseless and meant to be part of a ruse by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance.
NEW: House members including Chairman @RepMcCaul of the @HouseForeignGOP have sent a letter to @POTUS, @SecBlinken and @StateSPEHA urging them to bring detained @binance employee Tigran Gambaryan home. According to the letter, Gambaryan has contracted malaria and is being… pic.twitter.com/XCRyS8IPUT
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 4, 2024
The letter highlights the situation’s urgency, stating,
“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.”
Background of the Detention
On February 26, Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, traveled to Nigeria to tackle compliance and regulation issues for the same reason. Reportedly, the situation became hostile despite initial professional meetings. He is detained in Kuje prison, a harsh prison in Nigeria, for over three months.
The U.S. politicians further went on to say that Gambaryan has tested positive for malaria, and to date, a court order that he be transferred to a private hospital has not been effected. They narrated his deteriorating health condition, which had even seen him collapse in a courtroom.
Members of Congress who signed the letter included Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of Foreign Affairs in the House, urging President Biden to act. The politicians have called on the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to take up Gambaryan’s case to hasten his release.
The lawmakers also highlighted that Gambaryan has been denied proper legal representation, as meetings with his legal team are only allowed in the presence of Nigerian authorities and armed guards. The politicians emphasize the need for swift U.S. government intervention to ensure Gambaryan’s safety and return.
Binance’s Efforts and Statements
Binance has taken various steps to secure Gambaryan’s release, but something has yet to emerge. Binance’s Chief Compliance Officer said that the U.S. government should intervene, saying:
“I hope the U.S. government will do the right thing here.”
This is a tense period; calls are for immediate action through diplomatic channels, which may see Gambaryan released to safety and back into the United States.
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