Twelve U.S. politicians have called on President Joe Biden and the hostage affairs unit to bring home Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan, detained in Nigeria for over three months on charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
In a June 4 letter addressed to President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, the politicians stressed that Gambaryan is “wrongfully detained” and requires immediate action.
The letter, shared on X by Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett, emphasized the 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.”
The politicians want the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to handle Gambaryan’s case, highlighting that the charges against him are “baseless” and part of a coercion tactic by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance.
Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, traveled to Nigeria on February 26 after an invitation from the Nigerian government to discuss Binance’s compliance issues. However, after two initial professional meetings, Nigerian authorities detained him.
Currently held in Kuje Prison under harsh conditions, Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated, marked by a recent positive malaria test and a denied court order for private treatment.
Gambaryan was denied bail on May 18 and missed a court hearing on May 22, leaving the court, prosecutors, and defense team unaware of his whereabouts. When he appeared the next day, his physical state had significantly worsened, collapsing in court.
The letter also notes that Gambaryan has been allowed to meet his legal team with Nigerian authorities and armed guards present. Before joining Binance, Gambaryan was a federal agent with the Internal Revenue Service for ten years
The urgent appeal by twelve U.S. politicians to secure the release of Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria reflects widespread concern over his wrongful detention and the need for immediate action to ensure his safety.
Also Read: FIRS Faults Nigeria for Not Bringing Binance Exec to Court
