Lawmakers Call for Presidential Intervention

US lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria.

In a letter addressed to Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, 16 lawmakers told the president that Gambaryan is under wrongful detention in Nigeria.

The Detainment Incident

Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance's head of compliance traveled to Nigeria with another colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, in February. They aimed to address the company's regulatory challenges in Africa.

However, after two initial professional meetings turned hostile, they were detained. Anjarwalla managed to escape detention in March.

Subsequently, the Nigerian government filed charges against Binance and Gambaryan, accusing them of money laundering and tax evasion. The lawmakers argue that these actions were part of a Nigerian government attempt to extort Binance.

Harsh Conditions in Prison

Gambaryan has been charged with several "baseless" crimes and is being held at Kuje Prison, known for its harsh conditions. The lawmakers stated that Gambaryan has been fighting "for his life inside a prison cell designed to hold ISIS combatants" and has tested positive for malaria without receiving adequate treatment.

"We fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life."

Urgent Request for Action

The legislators noted that Gambaryan now legally qualifies as a US citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government. They requested that his case be urgently transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, where it would be adequately treated. They emphasized the need for swift action to ensure his safety.

Sixteen lawmakers, including the House Foreign Affairs Committee chair, Michael McCaul, signed the letter. Other Congress members who signed the letter are Keith Self, French Hill, Warren Davidson, and others. They collectively called for immediate intervention to secure Gambaryan's release and address the broader regulatory challenges faced by Binance in Nigeria.