U.S. Lawmakers Visit Detained Binance Exec in Nigeria, Call for Release

As a researcher with a background in human rights and international law, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje prison in Nigeria. His situation is particularly troubling given the allegations of inhumane conditions in the prison, which house both common criminals and members of terror groups like Boko Haram.

On Wednesday, U.S. congressmembers Rep. French Hill (R-Arkansas) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) made a prison visit to Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained in Nigeria. Gambaryan, a Binance executive, has been charged with money laundering offenses linked to his work with the cryptocurrency exchange.

During our trip to the country for anti-terrorism talks, we were able to bring up the case of an American being unjustly held by the Nigerian authorities at Kuje prison, which we had the unfortunate experience of visiting. (Hill’s statement paraphrased)

Gambaryan, who was taken into custody upon his arrival in February for negotiations with the government, is currently battling both malaria and double pneumonia, according to Hill. The official stated that Gambaryan has experienced substantial weight loss and is being prevented from receiving proper medical care.

After a brief period of imprisonment, Gambaryan was transferred to a prison housing individuals connected to the extremist organization Boko Haram. It’s been reported that another Binance executive arrested with him has managed to evade capture. According to reports, Gambaryan is pursuing reparations for the extended detention. CoinDesk has reached out to his family for further details.

As a crypto investor, I believe there’s a group of lawmakers in Congress working tirelessly to bring home Americans who have been unfairly detained or held captive abroad. In my opinion, Tigran falls under this category. It’s crucial for us to ensure his safe return. Let’s trust Binance, his employer, to handle any issues with the Nigerian authorities.

I expressed my concern to the U.S. embassy on behalf of Gambaryan due to the appalling prison conditions, his proven innocence, and his deteriorating health.

Hill was one of the people who signed a letter dated June 4, addressed to President Joe Biden, requesting him to take actions for the release of Gambaryan. Following this, approximately 100 former prosecutors penned a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 6, reiterating the same message, as stated by Hill.

In the meantime, the trial goes on. Yesterday marked the start of the cross-examination of a witness representing the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission. The proceedings carry on today.