US lawmakers have taken action to visit the detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, in Nigeria and advocate for his immediate release. Gambaryan, a US citizen, is currently being held in Kuje Prison in Nigeria, where he is reportedly suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and significant weight loss without access to adequate medical care.
Lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan visited Gambaryan in prison and described the conditions as “horrible.” They highlighted the irony of his detention on charges of money laundering and tax evasion, which Gambaryan has fought against. Hill called for Gambaryan’s immediate humanitarian release and the dropping of remaining charges so he can return home to America.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed frustration over his continued detention and urged the US government to intensify efforts to secure his release. US politicians and former federal agents have been actively involved in advocating for Gambaryan’s release, sending letters to the State Department and raising awareness about his case.
Despite a recent court ruling clearing Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla of tax evasion charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has resumed its money laundering case against them. During the court session, witnesses, including a Director with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, testified that Binance had failed to register with the SEC before operating in the country.
These developments highlight the ongoing legal troubles faced by Gambaryan and Binance in Nigeria. The support from US lawmakers and efforts to secure his release continue to grow, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic interventions in cases involving American citizens abroad. The situation underscores the complexities of international legal disputes and the need for coordinated efforts to uphold the rights of individuals detained in foreign countries.