Rep. Rich McCormick has raised concerns about the situation of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria’s Kuje Prison since February. With Nigerian courts going on recess until September from mid-July, Gambaryan’s extended stay in prison seems highly likely if his case is not resolved soon.
In a resolution presented to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep. McCormick called on the US government to use all available resources to secure Gambaryan’s release. He emphasized the need to press for Gambaryan’s immediate release in all interactions with the Nigerian government.
The resolution highlighted that Gambaryan is being wrongfully detained by the Nigerian government in an attempt to extort Binance. The executive’s troubles began when he traveled to Nigeria in February for negotiations regarding money laundering and tax evasion issues involving Binance. The situation escalated, leading to his detainment along with another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla.
While Anjarwalla managed to escape and leave Nigeria, Gambaryan has been stuck in Kuje Prison, where his health has deteriorated. He contracted malaria and double pneumonia while being held in the same facility as members of Boko Haram and other criminals. Rep. French Hill and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, after visiting Gambaryan in prison, reported that he was “suffering.”
Despite the court’s request, officials at Kuje Prison have refused to release Gambaryan’s medical records to his lawyers or family. Rep. McCormick’s main concern is the possibility of Gambaryan remaining in detention for an even longer period if his case is not resolved before mid-July.
The urgency of the situation lies in the upcoming recess of Nigerian courts, which could prolong Gambaryan’s incarceration. The resolution calls for immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release and to address the wrongful detainment by the Nigerian government. Rep. McCormick’s plea to classify Gambaryan as a hostage if not released by mid-July underscores the severity of the situation and the need for diplomatic intervention to bring the executive back home.