In a concerning turn of events, U.S. lawmakers have visited Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in a Nigerian prison, urging for his immediate release. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, was detained in February amid accusations that Binance was making illegal transaction profits locally.
Lawmakers’ Accounts of Gambaryan’s Condition
Representatives French Hill (R-Ark.) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) visited Gambaryan this week and reported that he is suffering from severe health issues. According to Hill, Gambaryan is “suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight.” Houlahan further stated that Gambaryan is “under clearly a lot of stress, and his health is not very good.”
Calls for Immediate Release
The lawmakers have called for Gambaryan’s immediate release and the dropping of all remaining charges against him. Hill stated, “Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs.”
“Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention.” – Rep. French Hill
Other lawmakers, including the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul (R-Texas), have also expressed concerns for Gambaryan’s wellbeing and have called for immediate action to secure his safe return.
Yesterday, @RepHoulahan and I visited with US citizen Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison in Nigeria. We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight. Even worse, he's being denied access to… pic.twitter.com/OKEHMXxuF4
— French Hill (@RepFrenchHill) June 20, 2024
Gambaryan’s Background
Gambaryan, a former Internal Revenue Service Special Agent, has focused on combatting money laundering and tax evasion for over a decade. His detention in a Nigerian prison amid the Binance allegations has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and the broader cryptocurrency community.
Conclusion
The plight of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in a Nigerian prison, has garnered the attention of U.S. lawmakers, who have urgently called for his immediate release and a return to the United States. The lawmakers’ accounts of Gambaryan’s deteriorating health and the alleged denial of adequate medical attention underscore the gravity of the situation, prompting widespread calls for swift action to ensure his safety and wellbeing.
