On July 10, Rep. McCormick brought forth a resolution to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs demanding that Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, be released from detainment in Nigeria for what he called “extortion” by Nigerian government on the crypto exchange. He demanded that the US government declare Gambaryan a ‘hostage’ and urged Washington to exert pressure on Nigeria by demanding an emergency release before mid-July and demanding proper healthcare measures be taken.
“Tigran has been detained since February 2024 and the court usually breaks for vacation in mid-July until September,” McCormick said. If Tigran’s case is not decided before mid-July, he could be held in detention for longer without justification.
The resolution was submitted by Rep. McCormick on behalf of himself and Rep. French Hill. The pair travelled with other officials to visit Gambaryan in prison on June 20th. The action follows a letter in June from more than 100 federal prosecutors and investigators. The letter also urged the State Department to obtain Gambaryan’s release.
Gambaryan Faced Criminal Charges
Gambaryan, alongside his Binance colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering in February. This was after the pair went to Nigeria on behalf of Binance. In March, Anjarwalla escaped from custody and rerportedly fled back to Kenya. He is however due soon to be extradited back into Nigeria.
In June, Nigeria’s tax authority dropped the charges of tax evasion. Although, at the time of publication, money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission was ongoing. According to the family’s spokesperson, Gambaryan has faced serious health issues during his detention.
pneumonia and malaria; pains throughout the body.
Read More: Binance vs. Nigeria Timeline
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan launched a petition to bring her husband back to the US. The pertition is close to reaching its target of 5,000 signatures at time of publication. According to her, she has communicated with some of the staff of Binance as well as the lawyers who are defending her husband.
“From my perspective, it is crystal clear that things can and should work out in a way for Tigran. Gambaryan should not be dragged into whatever mess transpires between Binance and the local authorities,” Yuki added.
