- The ongoing conflict between crypto exchange Binance and the Nigerian authorities has escalated, drawing international attention.
- Concerns over the health and detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan have prompted US lawmakers to call for decisive action.
- US congress members have penned a letter to President Biden, stressing the urgency of the situation and the need to safeguard Gambaryan’s wellbeing.
US lawmakers demand immediate intervention for the release of Binance exec detained in Nigeria amid escalating tensions.
US Lawmakers Insist on Immediate Action for Detained Binance Executive
On June 4, a coalition of 16 US congress members formally addressed President Biden, pushing for prompt action regarding the detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan. The executive, who was previously a US federal agent, has been held in Nigeria for over three months, and concerns about his deteriorating health have compelled lawmakers to act.
Gambaryan was arrested by Nigerian authorities on February 26, alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who later managed to escape. Since then, Gambaryan has remained in custody, denied access to his passport, and subjected to limited communication with his legal team and family under strict supervision.
The congressional letter highlights the excessive and severe treatment Gambaryan has endured during his detention. It argues that the charges against him are without merit and represent a coercive tactic by the Nigerian government to leverage Binance.
In court proceedings, Nigerian prosecutors admitted using Gambaryan as a bargaining chip against Binance. On April 25, a prosecutor remarked that with Binance operating virtually, Gambaryan’s detention was their only leverage.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
The letter from US lawmakers praised Gambaryan’s esteemed career as a federal agent and underscored the irony of his recognition by the government while he suffers in a Nigerian prison. They cited a recent example where the US Department of Justice acknowledged his significant contributions in a historic case.
“Mr. Gambaryan’s legacy of dedication to justice and the law continued even after he left federal service. On May 3rd of this year, while Tigran fought for his life inside a prison cell designed to hold ISIS combatants, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release announcing a historic seizure, thanking former Special Agent Tigran for his groundbreaking work in the investigation.”
Despite a court order for medical treatment, Gambaryan has reportedly not received adequate care. The executive’s health issues peaked on May 23 when he collapsed during a court hearing. He was later diagnosed with malaria but has not been provided necessary medical assistance.
The congressional letter urged that Gambaryan’s case be reassigned to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Lawmakers, driven by fears for Gambaryan’s life, insisted on immediate intervention to ensure his safe return.
Conclusion
The escalating situation involving Binance and the Nigerian government has now attracted high-level political intervention from the US. The urgency placed by the US congress members on rescuing Tigran Gambaryan highlights not only his critical health condition but also broader implications for international business and diplomatic relations. As the pressure mounts, the coming days will be crucial in determining the resolution of this complex and highly sensitive issue.
