The detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking executive at Binance, by Nigerian authorities has sparked outrage among U.S. lawmakers. It has been nearly three months since Gambaryan was taken into custody, and his situation has raised concerns about human rights violations and hostage tactics used by the Nigerian government. The recent appeal led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul and supported by 11 other congressional leaders sheds light on the unjust nature of Gambaryan’s detention. The lawmakers demand immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release, treat the situation as a hostage crisis, and provide him with proper medical care.
The letter from the lawmakers highlights the Nigerian government’s admission that Gambaryan is being used as leverage against Binance. It is alleged that his detention is a coercion tactic to extort his employer, with the charges against him deemed as baseless. Despite a judge’s order for proper medical treatment, Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated, leading to a collapse in court and a positive test for malaria. The lack of adequate healthcare provided by Nigerian authorities raises concerns about the well-being of Gambaryan during his unjust detainment.
Urgent Need for U.S. Intervention
Gambaryan’s family, along with the congressional leaders, have emphasized the urgent need for U.S. intervention in his case. As a U.S. citizen and former IRS special agent, Gambaryan’s detention is seen as wrongful by the lawmakers. They argue that his situation falls under the “Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act,” highlighting the seriousness of his detainment. The plea for President Joe Biden to intervene in the matter aims to secure Gambaryan’s release and ensure his safety and well-being.
Professional Interactions Turn Hostile
Gambaryan’s trip to Nigeria, initially intended for high-level discussions regarding Binance’s compliance issues, took a drastic turn when he was detained by Nigerian authorities. Despite professional interactions at the beginning, the situation escalated quickly, resulting in armed guards confining Gambaryan to his hotel room, seizing his passport, and moving him to a government-owned residence known as the “Guest House.” The sudden shift from professional discussions to detainment without proper legal basis raises concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in Nigeria.
After being held without the ability to contact his family, attorneys, or U.S. officials for five days, Gambaryan was transferred to Kuje Prison, known for its harsh conditions. The delay in his release, despite an expired court order and questionable charges filed against him, further exacerbates the unjust nature of his detention. As a key figure in cyber investigations and financial crime compliance at Binance, Gambaryan’s expertise and contributions have been overshadowed by the dubious circumstances surrounding his detainment.
The plea for U.S. intervention in Tigran Gambaryan’s case sheds light on the need to address human rights violations and unjust detainment practices. The situation calls for immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release, ensure his safety and well-being, and uphold principles of justice and fairness. The outcry from U.S. lawmakers underscores the importance of holding governments accountable for the treatment of foreign nationals and respecting the rule of law in international affairs.