US officials are calling on President Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria.
A Detained American Citizen
Gambaryan, a former IRS officer and US citizen, has been held in Nigerian custody for over seven months. He was arrested in February alongside a colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, after visiting the country. While Anjarwalla managed to escape in March, Gambaryan remains imprisoned, facing charges of money laundering, tax evasion, and other offenses related to Binance’s operations.
Concerns Over Unlawful Detention and Health
Several US attorney generals, including those from Utah, Connecticut, and Kansas, have expressed deep concern over Gambaryan’s detention. They argue that his arrest is unlawful and serves as leverage for Nigerian authorities in their ongoing dispute with Binance.
They also highlight Gambaryan’s deteriorating health. He has been denied access to treatment for malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc, which has caused significant motor deficits. The attorney generals warn that his conditions could be life-threatening, drawing parallels to the tragic case of US student Otto Warmbier, who died after being detained in North Korea.
Calling for Hostage Designation
To secure Gambaryan’s release, the attorney generals have requested Biden to designate him as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. This designation would allow the US government to utilize resources and diplomatic pressure to bring him home.
A Former US Officer in Need
The attorney generals emphasize Gambaryan’s service to the US government, highlighting his roles as a special agent with the IRS and a federal agent involved in dismantling dark web sites like AlphaBay and Silk Road. They urge Biden to prioritize the life of this former officer and American citizen.
The petition for Gambaryan’s release has been signed by attorney generals from numerous states, including New Hampshire, Maine, Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands, Vermont, and Virginia.
