US Congress says Nigeria ‘wrongfully detaining’ Binance exec to ‘extort’ exchange, initiates legislation to free him

The US House of Representatives introduced a resolution urging Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent and Binance employee who has been detained in the country since February.

Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill submitted the resolution on July 11. The document emphasizes Gambaryan’s service as a federal agent and his role in recovering over $4 billion in illicit funds.

At the time of his detention, Gambaryan was serving as Binance Holdings Limited’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance.

Hostile meetings

Gambaryan traveled to Nigeria on Feb. 26 for high-level meetings regarding Binance’s compliance issues amid the country’s challenges with increased adoption of crypto via peer-to-peer markets, which indirectly caused a steep devaluation in the naira.

According to the resolution, the meetings became hostile, leading to Gambaryan’s detention without due process. Nigerian authorities held Gambaryan in a government-owned house for five days, preventing him from contacting his family, company, attorneys, or the US Department of State.

Despite a court order limiting his detention to 14 days, Nigerian officials continued to hold him without legal basis from March 12 to April 5, at which point authorities charged Gambaryan with charges including tax evasion and money laundering.

Gambaryan was subsequently transferred to Kuje Prison, known for its harsh conditions and housing members of Boko Haram. The Department of State’s 2023 human rights report documented significant abuses in Nigerian prisons, raising concerns about Gambaryan’s treatment.

Wrongful detention

The resolution claims Nigeria is wrongfully detaining Gambaryan to “extort Binance,” citing statements from Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris.

It adds that efforts to secure Gambaryan’s release have faced numerous obstacles, including intentionally delayed proceedings and denial of bail requests. During his detention, officials have not allowed him to speak privately with his attorneys or family.

According to the document, a congressional delegation visited Gambaryan on June 20 and expressed extreme concern over his condition.

The resolution further details that Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated due to inadequate medical care. He tested positive for malaria and collapsed in court on May 23, yet authorities delayed his hospital treatment. Although a judge ordered his hospitalization, officials returned him to prison after a brief visit.

The resolution calls on the US government to take immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release, recognize his wrongful detention, and ensure he receives full consular and medical access while in detention.

The House resolution demands Nigeria uphold due process and human rights for Gambaryan and all political prisoners and expresses solidarity with his family during this challenging time.

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