16 Members of US Congress Call on Biden to Free Detained Binance Exec in Nigeria

Sixteen U.S. lawmakers have petitioned President Joe Biden to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, from Nigeria. Gambaryan was arrested in February by the Nigerian government and later charged with non-payment of taxes and aiding tax evasion.

The U.S. House Representatives, including House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Michael T. McCaul, R-Texas, expressed their concerns in a letter, highlighting Gambaryan’s “wrongful detention” and the “harsh treatment” he has endured. They urged for his case to be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, stressing the urgency due to Gambaryan’s deteriorating health.

Gambaryan, Binance’s chief of financial compliance, was initially detained following discussions with the Nigerian government about Binance’s operations in the country. Despite a Nigerian court ordering his transfer to a hospital due to his health issues, his family claims he has not received adequate medical care and remains in prison.

The detained executive’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, voiced her distress, stating that despite her efforts, her husband’s situation continues to worsen. She appealed to the U.S. government for immediate action to bring him home.

In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that due process is being followed in Gambaryan’s trial. He emphasized that Gambaryan has received consular access and that his bail was denied due to flight risk concerns, citing a colleague who fled the country.

Idris added that Binance and its representatives would face thorough judicial scrutiny for their alleged financial crimes. He pointed out that Binance’s operations in Nigeria, with a turnover of over $20 billion in 2023, have evaded taxes and regulatory oversight, contributing to economic instability.

The case against Binance and Gambaryan continues to draw international attention, with the next court hearing scheduled for June 20, 2024.