Recently, a group of U.S. lawmakers, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, has raised an urgent plea to President Joe Biden regarding the detention of Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria. This high-ranking executive at Binance has been held by Nigerian authorities for nearly three months, with the situation escalating to what the lawmakers describe as a hostage crisis. The appeal, supported by 11 congressional leaders, demands immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release from what they believe is a wrongful detainment orchestrated by the Nigerian government as leverage against Binance.
The letter sent to President Biden outlines the deteriorating health conditions of Gambaryan during his detention. Reports state that he collapsed in court on May 24 and later tested positive for malaria. Despite a judge’s order for proper medical treatment, Nigerian authorities have failed to provide adequate healthcare for Gambaryan. His legal representation also faced restrictions, with meetings monitored by government officials and armed guards, raising concerns about the fairness of his legal proceedings.
Gambaryan and Binance have been accused by Nigerian authorities of money laundering and tax evasion, with Gambaryan himself facing charges as a surrogate for his employer. The letter from the lawmakers highlights Gambaryan’s trip to Nigeria in February, initially for discussions regarding compliance issues. However, the meetings took a hostile turn, leading to Gambaryan’s detainment by Nigerian authorities. Despite his detention being initially authorized by a court order that expired on March 12, he continues to be held without a legal basis until April 5 when the matter was adjourned for a ruling.
The lawmakers emphasize that Gambaryan, as a U.S. citizen and former IRS special agent, is being wrongfully detained by the Government of Nigeria. They argue that his detention falls under the “Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act” as a coercive tactic against Binance. Gambaryan’s family has also expressed grave concerns for his well-being and highlighted the urgent need for intervention by U.S. officials to secure his release from the harsh conditions of Kuje Prison in Nigeria.
Gambaryan, known for his significant role in cyber investigations that led to the seizure of billions of dollars in illicit funds, currently heads Financial Crime Compliance at Binance. His expertise in financial crime prevention and his contributions to law enforcement have been lauded, making his current situation all the more distressing. The letter from the lawmakers urges President Biden to take swift action to ensure Gambaryan’s safe return to the U.S. and to address the concerning circumstances of his detention in Nigeria.
The plight of Tigran Gambaryan underscores the critical need for international intervention in cases of wrongful detainment and human rights abuses. The urgent appeal from U.S. lawmakers to President Biden sheds light on the alarming situation faced by Gambaryan and emphasizes the importance of prompt action to secure his release and safeguard his well-being. As the world watches this unfolding crisis, the hope remains for a swift and peaceful resolution that upholds justice and human rights for all individuals involved.
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