Bitrabo Editorial
US lawmakers are pushing for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive. The situation escalated when two US representatives visited Gambaryan in prison during their trip to Nigeria, highlighting his deteriorating condition and calling for his immediate release.
US Lawmakers Advocate for Action
On Thursday, US representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan demanded the liberation of Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent detained by Nigerian authorities on charges of tax evasion and money laundering. Various politicians and industry figures, including Binance’s CEO Richard Teng, have joined in advocating for Gambaryan’s release.
Sixteen House members urged the Biden administration to intervene, labeling the charges against Gambaryan as baseless coercion attempts by the Nigerian government against Binance.
Concerns about Gambaryan’s health arose after reports of his collapsing in court due to malaria and alleged lack of medical care. The US lawmakers highlighted the dire state of his health in their plea for his release.
Critical State of Binance Executive
Despite some charges being dropped, Gambaryan and his colleague still face money laundering accusations, leading to Gambaryan’s continued detention at Kuje Prison in Nigeria. US representatives Hill and Houlahan, during a visit, noted his worsening condition.
The lawmakers, in Nigeria for security discussions, used the opportunity to advocate for Gambaryan’s release, emphasizing his poor health and lack of proper medical attention. Gambaryan informed them of his deteriorating condition and the denial of adequate medical care despite a court order.
Following the visit, Representatives Hill and Houlahan demanded a humanitarian release for Gambaryan to facilitate his safe return to the US.