Lawmakers Urge Biden to Secure Release of Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria

• The ongoing detainment of Tigran Gambaryan, a top Binance executive, by Nigerian authorities has raised significant diplomatic concerns.
• A group of U.S. lawmakers, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul, has officially called on President Joe Biden to intervene.
• Highlighting the severity of the situation, these lawmakers have described Gambaryan’s detention as a “hostage crisis” and have urged immediate action.

The article delves into the international tensions surrounding the detention of Tigran Gambaryan by Nigerian authorities, featuring demands for action from U.S. lawmakers.

U.S. Lawmakers Censure Nigerian Government’s Tactics

In a formal letter, U.S. lawmakers have sharply criticized the Nigerian government for using Gambaryan as leverage against Binance. His legal counsel has faced severe restrictions, with meetings closely monitored by government officials and armed guards present, hampering the defense process.

Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition, including a positive malaria diagnosis, has further exacerbated the situation. Despite judicial orders for medical attention, adequate healthcare has not been provided, leading to critical concerns about his welfare.

🚨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 accusations against Mr. Gambaryan are groundless and represent a coercive tactic by the Nigerian authorities to extort Binance,” asserted the lawmakers in their letter, underlining that Gambaryan’s situation meets the criteria for wrongful detention under the “Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.”

Emphasizing Gambaryan’s status as a wrongfully detained U.S. citizen, the lawmakers have pressed for immediate U.S. intervention. Gambaryan’s family has also voiced their severe concerns, advocating for urgent government action.

Hostile Negotiations Result in Unlawful Detainment

Gambaryan’s initial visit to Nigeria on February 26 was intended for high-level discussions on Binance’s regulatory compliance. However, the meetings became hostile, leading to his detainment by Nigerian officials. Armed guards restricted his movements, holding him first in a hotel room and subsequently at a government-owned facility known as the “Guest House.”

For several days, Gambaryan was denied any contact with his family, legal representatives, or U.S. officials. Though his detention was initially sanctioned by a court order until March 12, Nigerian authorities unlawfully extended his confinement until April 5, pending a court ruling.

Gambaryan was later formally charged with various crimes as a representative of Binance and transferred to Kuje Prison, noted for its inhumane conditions.

Conclusion

The detention of Tigran Gambaryan has underscored the complex and often hostile interactions between nations over corporate compliance and legal issues. As U.S. lawmakers demand action and Gambaryan’s health continues to deteriorate, the call for a swift resolution grows increasingly urgent. Immediate intervention is essential to prevent further harm and to uphold international legal standards.