US Lawmakers Press Biden to Secure Binance Exec’s Return from Nigeria
US lawmakers are calling on President joe Biden and senior officials to take immediate action to secure the release of binance executive and former federal agent Tigran Gambaryan. They also believe that Gambaryan has been unlawfully detained in Nigeria for more than three months.
Policymakers Pen Letter Urging Binance Executive to Return
These policymakers addressed President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens in a letter dated June 4, 2024. Several House members, including Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of the House Foreign GOP, have expressed serious concerns about the Binance executive’s medical condition and treatment while in Nigerian custody.
Gambaryan, a US citizen and distinguished former IRS agent, has been detained since February 26. At the time, he traveled to Nigeria for high-level meetings regarding Binance’s compliance issues.
The initially professional meetings turned hostile and led to Gambaryan being detained by Nigerian authorities. “The Government of Nigeria has taken Mr. Gambaryan hostage,” the legislature wrote. They also detailed how Binance’s Gambaryan was forcibly taken to a government-owned home and held without contact for five days.
Moreover, despite the court decision on March 12 that the detention order was not extended, Gambaryan’s detention continued unlawfully until new charges were filed. The action was allegedly taken in lieu of taking legal action against Binance. Therefore, the letter emphasizes that Gambaryan “was prosecuted instead of taking legal action against his employer.”
In addition, Gambaryan’s detention conditions are very harsh. He is being held at Kuje Prison, which has a reputation for harsh conditions, and faces obstacles in meeting with his legal team without government oversight. Even more worrying is that his health has deteriorated significantly.
Also Read: 3 Trending Altcoins to Rise as Binance Lists These Pairs
Gambaryan’s Health Deteriorates
“He tested positive for malaria and when he requested hospital treatment, prison officials denied his request,” the letter said. Previously, Binance’s Gambaryan collapsed in court on May 23 and the judge ordered him to be transferred to a private hospital. However, as of June 4, adequate health services were not provided.
The legislature argues that Gambaryan’s detention meets the criteria for “wrongful detention by a foreign government” as defined in the Robert Levinson Hostage Rescue and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. They demand that the file be immediately transferred to the Presidential Special Representative for Hostage Affairs. They also emphasized that quick action must be taken to ensure the safety of the Binance administrator.
“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and well-being is at risk, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and protect his life,” the letter insists. But despite U.S. efforts, Nigeria’s refusal to comply could worsen the situation.
Also Read: Binance Not Liable for User’s $1 Million Loss and Co-Founder Allegations
✓ Share:
parofix consists of an experienced team of local content writers and editors who work around the clock to cover the news globally and present the news as a fact rather than an opinion. parofix writers and reporters contributed to this article.
The content presented may contain the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market conditions. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. Neither the author nor the publication accepts any liability for your personal financial loss.
#Lawmakers #Press #Biden #Secure #Binance #Execs #Return #Nigeria