US Lawmakers Demand Nigeria Release Top Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan

• Two US lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking Binance executive, who is being detained in Nigeria.
• Representatives French Hill from Arizona and Rich McCormick from Georgia have initiated a resolution aimed at ensuring Gambaryan’s immediate release.
• Both congressmen have expressed serious concerns about the conditions of his detention, emphasizing the violation of his rights.

Nigerian authorities are facing international pressure from US lawmakers to free detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been imprisoned since February 2023.

US Lawmakers Call for Immediate Release

US Representatives French Hill and Rich McCormick have penned a resolution demanding the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance. Gambaryan, a US citizen, has been held in Nigeria since February, amidst allegations related to regulatory infractions. The resolution highlights the urgency of providing Gambaryan with adequate medical care and ensuring his due process rights are respected.

Health Concerns and International Advocacy

Representative McCormick emphasized the unjust nature of Gambaryan’s detention: “The prolonged detention of Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria is not only a gross violation of his rights but also a critical health concern. We call on the Nigerian authorities to address this injustice promptly and allow him access to necessary medical treatment.”

Nigerian authorities have charged Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, with operating without the required licenses and engaging in unlawful financial negotiations, which allegedly included tax evasion and money laundering activities involving $35.4 million. Anjarwalla managed to escape the country in time, leaving Gambaryan to face the charges alone.

Resolution Details and Potential Impact

If the resolution gains traction, it will not only advocate for Gambaryan’s immediate release but also push the US government to formally label him as a “citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government.” Congressman Hill, who visited Gambaryan in Nigeria, stated that the detainee’s health is rapidly deteriorating, necessitating urgent action.

Moreover, this move could significantly impact US-Nigeria relations, especially concerning the enforcement of crypto-related regulations. The resolution underscores the importance of international diplomacy and legal adherence in the burgeoning realm of cryptocurrency.

Conclusion

The efforts by US lawmakers to secure Tigran Gambaryan’s release from Nigerian detention reflect a broader commitment to protecting their citizens abroad while also highlighting the complexities of international cryptocurrency regulation. As the situation develops, it remains crucial to monitor the interplay between regulatory practices and human rights. The resolution, if approved, could set a precedent for future diplomatic interactions in the cryptocurrency sector, urging governments to adhere to fair legal practices.