How a Former U.S. Special Agent Ended Up in a Nigerian Prison, as His Family Urges State Department Action

The release of journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan from Russian jails was celebrated nationwide in the US. Yet, for one Georgia family, the moment was bittersweet. Yuki Gambaryan, wife of former IRS special agent Tigran Gambaryan, continues to grapple with the harsh reality that her husband remains imprisoned in Nigeria under dubious charges, his health rapidly deteriorating.

Tigran Gambaryan, a renowned cybersecurity expert with a history of combatting terrorism and cybercrime, has been incarcerated in Nigeria for over six months. His family’s hope is dwindling as they plead with the U.S. State Department to secure his release. “Every day is filled with anxiety and fear. Six months of wrongful detention is unbearable, and I fear for my husband’s life,” Yuki told Fortune.com, speaking from their Georgia home.

Gambaryan, who serves as an executive with the cryptocurrency giant Binance, traveled to Nigeria in February on a mission to negotiate settlements as part of the company’s global efforts to resolve compliance issues. While Binance had successfully settled similar matters in the U.S., Brazil, and India, the situation in Nigeria took an unexpected and dangerous turn. In a sudden move, Nigerian authorities arrested Gambaryan and a colleague, accusing them of money laundering and tax evasion. The arrests occurred amid a severe economic crisis in Nigeria, with the government blaming Binance for the depreciation of its currency—a claim widely disputed by economists who point to broader mismanagement of the country’s economy. In March, reports emerged that Nigerian officials were demanding $10 billion from Binance.

Gambaryan’s condition has worsened during his time in prison. He has suffered severe bouts of malaria, leaving him immobile and confined to his cell. Despite his critical state, Nigerian authorities have reportedly denied him access to a wheelchair and restricted his legal counsel. His wife and Binance have condemned these actions as violations of human rights. “Tigran is effectively a hostage, though not officially recognized as one,” Yuki lamented. “His contributions to global cybersecurity are well-known, and it’s heartbreaking to see him treated this way.”

Gambaryan’s predicament has stirred concern within the cybersecurity community, where he is highly respected for his role in tracking down criminals on the dark web. His story was recently featured in the book Tracers in the Dark, where he was lauded as a relentless agent dedicated to justice. Even competitors have voiced support. Philip Martin, head of security at Coinbase, praised Gambaryan’s contributions to the industry and called for a just resolution. “Tigran’s work has been invaluable, and we hope for his swift release,” Martin said.

Despite the growing moral case for Gambaryan’s release, the U.S. State Department has yet to classify him as “wrongfully detained,” a designation that would trigger specialized attention from the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This status would acknowledge Gambaryan as a political hostage and expedite efforts under the Levinson Act, a law designed to protect and recover Americans detained abroad. Members of Congress have already pressed for this designation. In a statement to Fortun.com, a State Department spokesperson said, “The Department reviews all cases of U.S. nationals detained abroad to assess if they are wrongful. We are closely monitoring Tigran Gambaryan’s case.”

A source familiar with the situation, speaking anonymously, suggested that the State Department might be reluctant to designate Gambaryan as a hostage due to Nigeria’s status as a U.S. ally. The Nigerian government has not responded to requests for comment. Binance remains engaged, with a spokesperson stating, “The Nigerian government does not need to hold an innocent employee to get our attention. We are committed to resolving this issue.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, Yuki Gambaryan struggles to maintain hope. She has launched a “Bring Tigran Home” campaign and remains in constant communication with the State Department, though she fears time is running out. Her husband’s next hearing is scheduled for September 2, but he was recently denied legal counsel again. The hardest part, Yuki says, is comforting their two young children, aged 5 and 10, who have had limited contact with their father. “I don’t know how to reassure them,” she confided. “They keep asking when they’ll see their dad again, and I have no answers. I’m begging the Nigerian authorities to let him come home.”