US lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria.
In a June 4 letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, lawmakers highlighted Gambaryan’s unlawful detention by the Nigerian government.
Gambaryan, a US citizen and head of compliance at Binance, traveled to Nigeria in February with another colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, to address the company’s regulatory challenges in the African country. After two initial professional encounters turned hostile, they were arrested, but Anjarwalla managed to escape detention in March.
Subsequently, the Nigerian government filed charges against both Binance and Gambaryan, accusing them of money laundering and tax evasion.
Hostage
The lawmakers stated that Gambaryan has been accused of several “baseless” crimes and is being held in Kuje prison, which is known for its harsh conditions. In addition, they stated that Gambaryan “fought for his life in a prison cell designed to hold ISIS fighters” and tested positive for malaria without receiving adequate treatment.
The lawmakers argued that these actions were part of a coercive tactic by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance. They stated:
“Mr. Gambaryan’s detention was characterized by excessive and harsh treatment… It is critical to emphasize that the charges against Mr. Gambaryan are baseless and constitute a coercive tactic by the Nigerian government to poach his employer, Binance pressing.”
The lawmakers noted that Gambaryan now legally qualifies as a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government. They therefore requested that his case be urgently transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, where it would be dealt with appropriately. They wrote:
“We fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act quickly before it is too late.”
Sixteen lawmakers, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, signed the letter. Other members of Congress who signed the letter include Keith Self, French Hill, Warren Davidson and others.
