A group of 18 state attorneys general is calling on President Joe Biden to take action to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024. Concerns about Gambaryan’s well-being intensified on October 18 after he was unable to appear in court due to illness. His hearing has been postponed to October 25.
Attorneys General Push for Hostage Designation
The attorneys general are pressing Biden to designate Gambaryan as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, which would increase diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities. In a joint letter, the group expressed alarm over Gambaryan’s deteriorating health and questioned the legality of his detention.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella emphasized in the letter:
“His continued detention without cause is not only a violation of his rights but also poses a severe risk to his health and well-being. It is our duty to advocate for U.S. citizens abroad, and we urge the federal government to apply the necessary diplomatic pressure to secure his release.”
Alleged Extortion and Wrongful Detention
Gambaryan was detained while visiting Nigeria to address allegations related to Binance’s operations, specifically accusations of manipulating the local currency, which began to crash in May 2023. The Nigerian government claims he was linked to financial crimes involving $34 million, allegedly connected to Binance’s activities in the country.
However, U.S. lawmakers and other officials argue that Gambaryan’s detention is baseless. In July, Representative Rich McCormick introduced a resolution to Congress urging the Biden administration to declare the situation a “hostage” scenario, claiming the Nigerian government is unlawfully holding Gambaryan to extort Binance.
Health Concerns and Inhumane Treatment
The conditions of Gambaryan’s detention have raised alarm, particularly after a video released in September showed him struggling to walk while being denied the use of a wheelchair. The video, which sparked widespread outrage, prompted Binance CEO Richard Teng to demand his immediate release. In a September 3 post on X (formerly Twitter), Teng wrote:
“This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family.”
The video shows Gambaryan pleading with guards for a wheelchair, but his requests were ignored, and he was forced to walk with only a crutch. His deteriorating condition has raised serious concerns, particularly after a Nigerian doctor at Kuje prison, where Gambaryan is being held, failed to produce a required medical report. An arrest warrant was issued for the doctor in July due to his failure to appear in court.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
As Gambaryan’s case draws more attention, U.S. officials are increasing pressure on Nigeria to release him. The attorneys general and other U.S. lawmakers continue to advocate for diplomatic intervention, pushing the Biden administration to take swift action in securing Gambaryan’s freedom.
