A recent plea by a group of U.S. lawmakers has highlighted the urgent need for President Joe Biden to step in and address the unjust detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking executive at Binance. Despite being held by Nigerian authorities for nearly three months, Gambaryan’s case has gained attention due to the alarming circumstances surrounding his imprisonment. Led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and 11 other congressional leaders, the demand is clear: treat the situation as a hostage crisis and take immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release.
The lawmakers’ letter outlines the disturbing reality of Gambaryan’s detention, painting a picture of a man who has been stripped of his basic rights. From restricted legal representation to a decline in health that led to his collapse in court, Gambaryan’s situation is dire. Despite a judge’s order for proper medical treatment, Nigerian authorities have failed to provide adequate healthcare, further exacerbating the already alarming circumstances. The lawmakers assert that Gambaryan’s detention is baseless and nothing more than a coercion tactic by the Nigerian government to target his employer, Binance.
Gambaryan’s family, as well as the lawmakers, have emphasized the urgent need for U.S. intervention in this case. Expressing concern for his well-being, they stress the critical importance of securing his release and ensuring his safety. As a U.S. citizen, Gambaryan’s detainment is a violation of his rights, and the lawmakers argue that it falls under the wrongful detainment provisions of the “Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.”
Gambaryan’s trip to Nigeria on February 26 was initially intended for high-level discussions regarding Binance’s compliance issues. However, what started as a professional interaction quickly turned hostile, leading to his detention by Nigerian authorities. Confined to his hotel room by armed guards, Gambaryan faced a series of violations, including the seizure of his passport and his subsequent transfer to a government-owned residence called the “Guest House.” Held without contact to his family, attorneys, or U.S. officials, Gambaryan’s detainment extended beyond the expiration of the initial court order, highlighting the blatant disregard for his rights.
As a former IRS special agent with a history of successful cyber investigations, Gambaryan played a crucial role in combating financial crime. His current position as the head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance underscores his commitment to upholding the law. The accusations of money laundering and tax evasion leveled against him and Binance are unfounded and serve as a smokescreen for the true nature of his detention. It is imperative that the U.S. government takes swift action to secure Gambaryan’s release and hold the Nigerian authorities accountable for their actions.
The detention of Tigran Gambaryan is not just an isolated case but a reflection of a larger issue of human rights violations. The call for President Biden’s intervention is not just a plea for one man’s freedom but a demand for justice and accountability in the face of wrongful detainment. It is crucial that the voices of those advocating for Gambaryan be heard, and that swift action be taken to ensure his safe return home.
