U.S. Lawmakers Call for Hostage Status in Case of Binance Executive Held in Nigeria

U.S. lawmakers have appealed to President Joe Biden to release Binance executive and former federal agent Tigran Gambaryan, who has been held in Nigeria for over three months.

Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas and 11 other House members wrote a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens.

The letter urged President Biden to treat Gambaryan's case as a hostage situation and to free him. The lawmakers requested that his case be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs for appropriate handling.

According to the lawmakers, Gambaryan's detention is marked by excessive and harsh treatment, which is a coercion tactic used by Nigerian authorities to extort Binance. They emphasized that the charges against Gambaryan are baseless. 

The legislators argue that Gambaryan legally qualifies as a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government and should be treated as a hostage case.

Background of Detention

Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance’s head of compliance has been arrested on February 26. He traveled to Nigeria for high-level meetings on Binance’s compliance issues. Initially professional, the meetings turned hostile, leading to his detention by Nigerian authorities. 

The Nigerian government subsequently filed charges against both Binance and Gambaryan, accusing them of money laundering and tax evasion.

The Federal High Court of Nigeria denied bail to Gambaryan on May 17, citing a flight risk. He has been charged with several crimes, which the lawmakers deem baseless. 

During a court hearing on May 22, Gambaryan was absent, and the court was unaware of his whereabouts. The following day, he appeared in court but could not stand, collapsing to the floor. 

According to reports, Gambaryan tested positive for malaria, but the prison has not fully complied with the court order to provide adequate treatment.

The letter, dated June 4, 2024, also expressed grave concerns about Gambaryan’s health and treatment in Nigerian custody. 

“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late,” the lawmakers wrote.