US Lawmakers Urge Biden to Rescue Detained Binance Executive from Nigeria

As a crypto investor and concerned citizen, I strongly believe that the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, in Nigeria is a clear violation of his human rights and international law. The fact that he has been detained for nearly three months without formal charges or due process is alarming.


US legislators are calling on President Joe Biden to work towards the freedom of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been held in Nigerian custody for approximately three months. A US citizen and head of compliance for Binance, Gambaryan was taken into Nigerian authorities’ custody on February 26, 2024, accompanied by another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla. While Anjarwalla managed to evade detention, Gambaryan continues to be imprisoned.

As a crypto investor following the developments in geopolitical situations that may impact the market, I’ve noticed the recent bipartisan effort led by Michael McCaul, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and eleven other congressional leaders. They have taken it upon themselves to write a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens. In this letter, they urge the administration to recognize the situation involving Gambaryan as a hostage crisis and take swift action to address it.

As a concerned crypto investor and follower of industry news, I’ve come across some troubling updates. A group of House members, led by Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Republican Subcommittee, have sent an urgent letter to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and the State Department’s Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. The reason behind this appeal? One of Binance’s employees, Tigran Gambaryan, is currently being detained in Iran, and according to the letter, he has contracted malaria and requires immediate medical attention. I strongly believe that it’s crucial for all parties involved to prioritize Mr. Gambaryan’s well-being and safe return home.

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 4, 2024

In the letter, the concern for Gambaryan’s wellbeing and safety was clearly expressed by the legislators. They highlighted that on May 24th, in the courthouse, Gambaryan had collapsed, and there were suspicions that he might be suffering from malaria.

Binance Exec Detention Sparks Diplomatic Concerns

The Nige­rian government invited Gambaryan and Anjarwalla to re­solve a dispute involving the crypto e­xchange. Upon their arrival, authorities de­tained them and accused the­m of money laundering and tax evasion. The­ Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the­ two executives with e­vading taxes and laundering over $35 million. Howe­ver, no formal indictment has bee­n made against Binance itself.

The US Chamber of Digital Commerce has expressed worries, characterizing Gambaryan’s arrest as unwarranted and devoid of due process, which could establish a harmful precedent for American entrepreneurs operating abroad. The Chamber emphasized that the arrest infringes upon international law and diplomatic relations.

The Gambaryan family has raised concerns over his deteriorating health condition. They point to his fainting spell in a Nigerian courtroom and the possibility of malaria as causes for worry. They assert that his prolonged detention without proper medical attention is putting his life at risk. The court proceedings have been marred by delays, with the EFCC requesting extended detention orders while Gambaryan’s lawyers push for his release.

US Diplomatic Efforts in Gambaryan Case

With increasing pressure on the Biden administration, there is growing emphasis on quickening diplomatic efforts to bring about Gambaryan’s release. The call from lawmakers highlights a significant challenge for US foreign policy: safeguarding its citizens from perceived unlawful detainment by foreign governments.

The consequences of this situation could shape future diplomatic approaches and the regulatory framework for international business activities, particularly in intricate legal environments. At present, the global community is closely monitoring the actions of the US administration and the ensuing court proceedings in Nigeria.

Read More

2024-06-05 18:04