As a researcher with a background in international relations and human rights, I am deeply troubled by the continued detention of Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria. The fact that two US congressmen have taken the unprecedented step of introducing a resolution to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs calling for his immediate release is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation.
Two United States congressmen have urged the immediate involvement of the US government in the case of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan being held in detention in Nigeria. Reps. Rich McCormick and French Hill presented a resolution to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, proposing that the situation be regarded as a standard hostage incident.
US citizen and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, Gambaryan, has been held in Nigeria’s Kuje prison since February. Recently, two congressmen have introduced a resolution urging the Nigerian government for Gambaryan’s swift release. According to Hill, who allegedly visited Gambaryan in prison, his health condition has reportedly worsened.
Resolution Calls for Immediate Release amid Health Concerns
As a researcher looking into this matter, I’ve come across information stating that Gambaryan’s detention goes against his fundamental rights based on the resolution. Consequently, it is recommended that the US government publicly acknowledges him as a “person wrongfully held by a foreign administration”. Moreover, given McCormick and Hill’s concerns over Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, swift action is advised to prevent further harm. The urgency is emphasized due to the Nigerian court’s upcoming break from mid-July until September, which could potentially prolong his detention. Hill stated: “The time for intervention is now.”
“It’s imperative that the Nigerian authorities understand our firm stance: the detainee needs to be freed immediately, all remaining charges against him dropped, and allowed to come back to the United States.”
Gambaryan, a former US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee with over a decade of service, was taken into custody alongside Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla upon their arrival in Nigeria last year. Nigerian authorities accused Binance and the two men of money laundering and tax offenses. Anjarwalla managed to escape from detention in March but was later recaptured. In contrast, Gambaryan has remained in Nigerian custody since his initial arrest. Although tax-related charges against all parties were dismissed recently, the money laundering allegations continue to stand.
As a researcher studying the significant figures in US law enforcement, I cannot overlook the substantial impact made by Gambaryan during his time at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Notably, over $4 billion in ill-gotten funds were seized under his watch.
As a researcher studying human rights issues, I share McCormick’s perspective that the detention of Gambaryan is an egregious injustice. This viewpoint aligns with that of the 16 members of Congress who sent a letter to the White House in June. In this correspondence, they highlighted the pressing nature of the situation and demanded prompt action from the administration to guarantee Gambaryan’s safety and secure his release.
The Nigerian government’s response to this intensifying predicament is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, it’s evident that US legislators have grown more alarmed, particularly regarding the welfare of American citizens residing overseas. Consequently, they are urging immediate government intervention.
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2024-07-12 13:40