U.S. Politicians Urge Biden to Secure Release of Binance Executive from Nigeria
A group of U.S. politicians has called on President Joe Biden and the hostage affairs unit to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria for over three months on charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
Urgent Appeal to President Biden
In a June 4 letter addressed to President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, twelve U.S. politicians emphasized that Gambaryan is "wrongfully detained" by the Nigerian government. They stressed the urgency of the situation, fearing for his life and calling for immediate action to ensure his safety.
Details of the Detention
Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, traveled to Nigeria on February 26 at the government's invitation to discuss Binance’s compliance issues. However, following two meetings that turned increasingly hostile, Gambaryan was detained by Nigerian authorities.
He is currently held in Kuje Prison, notorious for its harsh conditions. Reports indicate that Gambaryan has tested positive for malaria and has been denied adequate medical treatment despite a court order. He was also denied bail on May 18 and missed a scheduled court hearing on May 22, only to appear the next day in a severely weakened state.
Political and Legal Concerns
The U.S. politicians argue that the charges against Gambaryan are baseless and part of a coercion tactic by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance. They have requested the involvement of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to handle Gambaryan's case. The letter, shared on social media by Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett, highlights the severity of Gambaryan's condition and the urgency of U.S. intervention.
Background of Tigran Gambaryan
Before joining Binance, Gambaryan served as a federal agent with the Internal Revenue Service for ten years, specializing in financial crime compliance. His professional background and current role at Binance underscore the critical nature of his detention and the need for swift diplomatic action.
Conclusion
The plea from U.S. politicians underscores the dire circumstances surrounding Tigran Gambaryan's detention in Nigeria. As they push for immediate action, the focus remains on ensuring his safety and addressing the legal and humanitarian concerns raised by his prolonged detention.
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