U.S. lawmakers are expressing strong concerns regarding the detention of a Binance executive in Nigeria. Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance for the cryptocurrency exchange, has been held in a Nigerian prison since April.
In a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger D. Carstens, Congressman Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the administration to secure Gambaryan’s release. The letter, signed by 15 other lawmakers, accuses Nigerian authorities of detaining Gambaryan without cause.
They claim discussions between Gambaryan and Nigerian officials, initially professional, became hostile, leading to his detention. The lawmakers believe the charges against Gambaryan are fabricated and aim to pressure Binance. They have requested his case be classified as a wrongful detention.
“Mr Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preservice his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late,” the letter stated
Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, has strongly denied these accusations. He maintains that Gambaryan is being held lawfully and that due process is being followed. The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fighting financial crime and ensuring cryptocurrency exchanges operating within the country comply with regulations.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
