Efforts to Secure the Release of Binance Employee Tigran Gambaryan
In recent developments, a group of United States politicians has urged President Joe Biden and the hostage affairs unit to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee detained in Nigeria for more than three months on alleged charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
According to a letter dated June 4 addressed to President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, a plea was made to take immediate action to bring Gambaryan back home. The politicians emphasize that Gambaryan is being unjustly held by Nigerian authorities, prompting fears for his safety and well-being.
The letter underscores the urgency of the situation, stating, "We fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late."
The politicians are advocating for the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to oversee Gambaryan's case, as detailed in the communication shared by Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett.
Gambaryan, who serves as the head of financial crime compliance at the cryptocurrency exchange, traveled to Nigeria in response to an invitation from the government to address compliance issues related to Binance's operations in the country. However, after a series of meetings that turned hostile, he was detained by Nigerian authorities.
Presently, Gambaryan is held in Kuje Prison in Nigeria under challenging conditions. His confinement has raised concerns due to the inadequate medical care he received, especially after testing positive for malaria. Despite a court order for private medical treatment, Gambaryan has not been transferred to a suitable facility.
The plight of Gambaryan worsened when he was denied bail on May 18 and later failed to appear in court on May 22, causing alarm among court officials and his legal team. Upon his eventual appearance in court, Gambaryan's deteriorating physical condition was evident, as he struggled to stand and eventually collapsed.
Furthermore, restrictions imposed by Nigerian authorities have prevented Gambaryan from meeting his legal representatives without supervision.
Prior to his tenure at Binance, Gambaryan served as a federal agent at the Internal Revenue Service for a decade, underscoring his background in financial compliance.
The detention of Gambaryan has sparked concerns among U.S. officials and the cryptocurrency community at large, highlighting the need for swift action to secure his release from Nigerian captivity.
