Bitrabo Editorial
The saga involving Binance and the Nigerian government escalates as US congressional members call on the Biden administration for immediate intervention.
A group of lawmakers penned a letter to President Biden expressing concerns about Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s health and demanding his return from imprisonment in Nigeria.
US Lawmakers Advocate for Safe Return of Binance Executive
On June 4, 16 US congress members appealed to President Biden to step in regarding the case of former US federal agent Tigran Gambaryan. Gambaryan has been held in Nigeria for three months, with his deteriorating health raising alarms among House members.
Gambaryan was detained by Nigerian authorities on February 26 alongside colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, who later escaped. Gambaryan remains in custody without access to his passport, with limited communication with his legal team and family.
Excerpt from Congress’ letter to the Biden Administration. Source: Eleanor Terrett on X
The letter highlights Gambaryan’s unlawful detention and the harsh treatment he has endured. It contests the charges against him as baseless and accuses the Nigerian government of using him as leverage against Binance.
Nigerian authorities have openly admitted to holding Gambaryan as a bargaining chip against Binance, citing his importance due to the crypto exchange’s virtual operations.
Binance’s CEO, Richard Teng, condemned the Nigerian government’s actions in a written statement, criticizing the crackdown on the company’s employees.
Urgent Appeal for Timely Intervention
The letter from US lawmakers underscores Gambaryan’s exemplary background as a federal agent and criticizes the paradox of his esteemed legacy contrasted with his current plight in prison:
Mr. Gambaryan’s dedication to justice continued post his federal service. While he fights for his life in a prison cell, the US Department of Justice commended him for his investigative contributions.
The lawmakers express grave concerns over Gambaryan’s safety and lack of medical care, especially after he collapsed during a court hearing on May 23.
Despite being absent from a court hearing due to health issues, Gambaryan appeared the next day for a hearing on money laundering charges, where he collapsed again, necessitating medical attention.
Tests revealed Gambaryan had malaria, yet he was denied proper medical care. The lawmakers, led by Chairman Michael McCaul, are urging the US government to intervene swiftly.
The congress members request Gambaryan’s case be transferred to the Office of the Special President Envoy for Hostages Affairs, emphasizing the urgency of the situation “before it’s too late.”
