Several U.S. politicians have urged President Joe Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance compliance officer detained in Nigeria for over three months on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. They claim these charges are baseless and part of a coercion tactic by Nigerian authorities. The case has gained significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the potential implications for international relations.
Urgent Appeal to Biden
In a June 4 letter addressed to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, 12 U.S. politicians emphasized that Gambaryan remains “wrongfully detained” by the Nigerian government. They stressed the need for immediate action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
“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 requested that the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs take over Gambaryan’s case. This appeal was shared on social media by Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett.
Baseless Charges and Hostile Detention
Nigerian authorities have charged Gambaryan with money laundering and tax evasion. These charges have been widely criticized by U.S. politicians and other international observers as unfounded. They argue that the charges are part of a strategy by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance, a company that has often found itself at the center of regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
Also Read: Banking Lobby Urges Biden to Reconsider SAB 121 Repeal Veto
Dire Conditions and Health Concerns
Currently held in Nigeria’s infamous Kuje Prison, known for its harsh conditions, Gambaryan is reportedly “fighting for his life inside a prison cell designed to hold ISIS combatants,” according to the politicians. He has tested positive for malaria, and despite a court order for private hospital treatment, this has not been carried out.
Gambaryan was denied bail on May 18 and failed to appear in a scheduled court hearing on May 22. When the court reconvened the next day, his physical condition had visibly deteriorated, leading to his collapse in court.
The U.S. politicians also highlighted that Gambaryan has not been allowed to meet his legal team without Nigerian authorities and armed guards present. Prior to his role at Binance, Gambaryan served as a federal agent with the Internal Revenue Service for ten years.
