U.S. Lawmakers Advocate for Release of Binance Executive Detained in Nigeria

In a significant development, U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan visited the Kuje Prison in Nigeria to meet with Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance Holdings Ltd. The visit underscored the growing international concern over Gambaryan’s health and the conditions of his imprisonment. Gambaryan, an American citizen, was detained in February 2024 on charges of money laundering and tax evasion, charges he has vehemently denied.

Background and Arrest

Gambaryan, who leads Binance’s financial crime compliance department, was apprehended alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan remained imprisoned. The arrest occurred during Gambaryan’s visit to Nigeria for high-level meetings regarding Binance’s compliance operations, meetings which turned hostile, leading to his unexpected detention.

Health and Humanitarian Concerns

During their visit, Representatives Hill and Houlahan observed firsthand the severe health issues Gambaryan is facing. Reports indicate that Gambaryan is suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and has experienced significant weight loss. Hill expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate medical care provided to Gambaryan, highlighting the poor conditions at Kuje Prison. Hill described the prison conditions as “horrible” and emphasized the urgency of granting Gambaryan immediate humanitarian release.

Houlahan echoed these sentiments, noting the evident stress and deteriorating health of Gambaryan. Both lawmakers have urged the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria to take more decisive action in advocating for his release.

Political and Legal Advocacy

The visit by Hill and Houlahan is part of a broader effort to secure Gambaryan’s release. A coalition of over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents has written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the State Department to use all available means to facilitate Gambaryan’s release. Furthermore, Hill and Houlahan, along with other members of Congress, have called on President Biden and other key officials to intensify diplomatic efforts.

Despite these efforts, Gambaryan’s legal battles in Nigeria continue. On June 20, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) resumed its money laundering case against him. The EFCC has pressed a five-count charge, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had initially filed a four-count charge before withdrawing it. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has been vocal in her appeals for mercy, urging the EFCC to drop the charges and highlighting her husband’s innocence.

International Relations and Diplomatic Tensions

The case has strained relations between the U.S. and Nigeria, with U.S. lawmakers accusing Nigeria of holding Gambaryan “hostage.” They argue that his detention is not only a personal tragedy but also a violation of international law and human rights. Yuki Gambaryan has criticized the U.S. government for not doing enough to secure her husband’s release, pointing out the significant aid that the U.S. provides to Nigeria annually.

The Nigerian government, however, has defended its actions, stating that Gambaryan is being treated according to the country’s laws and regulations. Officials have refuted claims of inadequate medical care and have asserted that Gambaryan is receiving the necessary treatment.

Conclusion

The plight of Tigran Gambaryan has drawn international attention, with growing calls for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. The visit by U.S. lawmakers Hill and Houlahan has amplified these calls, bringing to light the severe health issues Gambaryan is enduring in detention. As diplomatic efforts continue, the case remains a significant point of contention in U.S.-Nigeria relations, with the potential to impact broader discussions on international justice and human rights. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Gambaryan’s fate and the response of both the U.S. and Nigerian governments to this escalating crisis.