Resolution Urging Nigeria to Release Tigran Gambaryan, Former Federal Agent and Binance Employee
The US House of Representatives has taken a stand in 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 a resolution on July 11 highlighting Gambaryan’s service as a federal agent and his role in recovering over $4 billion in illicit funds.
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. The meetings turned hostile, leading to Gambaryan’s detention without due process. Nigerian authorities held him 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, when authorities charged him with tax evasion and money laundering. Gambaryan was then transferred to Kuje Prison, known for its harsh conditions and housing members of Boko Haram.
The resolution claims Nigeria is wrongfully detaining Gambaryan to “extort Binance,” citing statements from Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris. Efforts to secure his release have faced obstacles, including delayed proceedings and denial of bail requests. Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated due to inadequate medical care, with delays in receiving treatment for malaria and collapsing in court.
The House 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. It demands Nigeria uphold due process and human rights for Gambaryan and all political prisoners, expressing solidarity with his family during this challenging time.
