TLDR
- U.S. Representative Rich McCormick introduced a bill to secure the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024.
- Gambaryan faces money laundering charges in Nigeria, while tax evasion charges have been dropped.
- Over 100 federal prosecutors and agents have asked the U.S. State Department to secure Gambaryan’s release.
- U.S. lawmakers who visited Gambaryan reported concerns about his health and lack of medical care.
- Binance argues that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker in the company and advocates for his release.
U.S. Representative Rich McCormick has introduced a bill to Congress aimed at securing the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been held in Nigerian custody since February 2024.
The bill, titled “Urging the Government of Nigeria to immediately release Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan from imprisonment,” has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Gambaryan’s detention stems from accusations by Nigerian authorities against Binance and its executives for alleged involvement in money laundering.
These allegations followed earlier claims that the cryptocurrency exchange was negatively impacting the growth of Nigeria’s local currency.
The case has drawn attention from both the crypto community and U.S. lawmakers. Rep. McCormick, who represents Gambaryan’s home state of Georgia, is leading this legislative effort to address the ongoing detention.
The bill calls on the U.S. government to formally declare Gambaryan as a hostage and take steps to ensure his release if the case is not resolved by mid-July.
Support for Gambaryan’s release extends beyond Congress. Over 100 federal prosecutors and agents have asked the U.S. State Department to secure his freedom.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has launched a petition that is nearing its goal of 5,000 signatures.
The situation has raised concerns about Gambaryan’s health and treatment while in custody. U.S. Congress members French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who visited Gambaryan during a national security mission to Nigeria, reported disturbing details about his condition.
They stated that he was suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, had lost significant weight, and was being denied adequate medical attention. However, Nigerian prison officials have disputed these claims about Gambaryan’s health status.
Initially, Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Arjarwalla were charged with tax evasion and money laundering after traveling to Nigeria as representatives of Binance.
While the tax evasion charges have since been dropped, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still pursuing money laundering charges against Gambaryan. Arjarwalla reportedly escaped custody in March and fled to Kenya, with expectations of extradition back to Nigeria.
Binance has maintained that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker in the company and continues to advocate for his release. The company argues that any issues between Binance and Nigerian authorities should be resolved without Gambaryan being caught in the middle.
