US Lawmakers Push for ‘Humanitarian Release’ of Binance Exec in Nigeria

by

As a crypto investor with experience in following news related to the industry, I am deeply concerned about the situation of Tigran Gambaryan, a former compliance officer at Binance who has been detained in Nigeria for over three months. The recent visit by members of US Congress Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill to Kuje Prison where Gambaryan is being held, revealed his poor health condition and the difficult prison conditions he is enduring.

As a crypto investor following global news, I recently came across an intriguing development. Two members of the US Congress – Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill – made a visit to Kuje Prison in Nigeria. During this visit, they shed light on the condition of an American detainee named Tigran Gambaryan.

Despite the dismissal of tax evasion accusations, Gambaryan remains imprisoned for money laundering allegations. His health has deteriorated significantly with the contraction of both malaria and double pneumonia.

Lawmakers Advocate for Binance Exec Release

Yesterday, US Congress members Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill visited Tigran Gambaryan at Kuje Prison in Nigeria. Gambaryan, who has been imprisoned for three months, has voiced concerns over his health and experienced significant weight loss due to insufficient medical care.

Houlahan and Hill are urging for the urgent humanitarian release of Gambaryan due to his deteriorating health and the subpar prison conditions he is currently enduring.

I, as an analyst, recently learned that Representatives French Hill and Houlahan paid a visit to Tigran Gambaryan at the Nigerian prison where he has been held for over three months. They described the challenging circumstances they encountered during their meeting with him, expressing their firm support for his release.

“We’ve…

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) June 20, 2024

 

Rep. Hill emphasized the need for immediate action in her latest declaration, highlighting that Gambaryan had battled against financial wrongdoings and worked with Nigerian officials. The legislators’ trip ensued following a collective letter penned by 18 US Congress members, addressed to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, advocating for their intervention to secure Gambaryan’s release.

Charges and Diplomatic Efforts

For over a decade, Gambaryan previously worked as a cyber and financial crimes investigator for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Later on, Binance hired him to serve as their compliance officer before his arrest took place.

Although the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service dropped the tax fraud accusations against him on June 14, he continues to be detained due to money laundering allegations. However, he is unable to secure bail because of the risk that he may attempt to leave the country.

Several ex-federal prosecutors and agents have urged Secretary Blinken for Gambaryan’s release, joining a growing chorus of voices. Their letters underscore the strained diplomatic relations between the US and Nigeria concerning this case.

Health Concerns and Prison Conditions

During a tour of Kuje Prison by Representatives Houlahan and Hill, it was found that Gambaryan was suffering from both malaria and double pneumonia. This discovery has led to concerns about his living conditions.

Binance maintains that Gambaryan, previously involved in compliance and investigation at the company, holds no significant decision-making role. Negotiations with Nigerian authorities continue regarding ongoing legal issues. A trial session scheduled for July 9, 2024, will address Gambaryan’s case.

Additionally, Yuki Gambaryan, Gambaryan’s spouse, has expressed criticism towards the US administration for their late intervention, advocating stronger measures to guarantee her husband’s freedom.

Nigeria Dismissed Tax Evasion Charges Against Binance Executives

Read More

2024-06-21 03:52