U.S. Lawmaker Demands “Hostage” Status for Detained Binance Exec
Mustafa Mulla12 Jul 20242 min read
A U.S. Congressman Rich McCormick is raising alarms over the fate of a detained American executive. Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking official at cryptocurrency giant Binance, has been held in Nigeria since February. Lawmakers are concerned Gambaryan is being held hostage – and his health is deteriorating.
Is something really sinister at play? Read on to learn about the growing pressure on the U.S. government to secure Gambaryan’s release.
Gambaryan’s Detention: Extortion Tactic
On July 10, Rep. McCormick submitted a resolution asserting that Gambaryan’s detention is a strategy by the Nigerian government to extort Binance. He urged the US government to formally declare Gambaryan as a hostage and secure his release by mid-July, given the court’s upcoming recess until September.
“If his case isn’t resolved by mid-July, Tigran could face an even longer detention period,”
Alarming Developments
Tigran Gambaryan was detained alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, facing serious charges of tax evasion and money laundering. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody, Gambaryan remains in prison, with recent developments causing alarm regarding his health.
Nigeria’s tax authority has dropped the tax evasion charges, but the money laundering case continues to loom over him.
Support from Family and Colleagues
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has launched a petition for her husband’s return, which is nearing its goal of 5,000 signatures. She has been in touch with Binance staff and legal representatives, but communication with Nigerian officials has been limited.
Rep. French Hill, who visited Gambaryan in prison, is supporting McCormick’s resolution. Hill expressed concern about Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, urging the Nigerian government to drop the remaining charges and facilitate his return to the US.
What Next?
The resolution by Rep. McCormick reflects mounting pressure on the US government to act decisively. With more than 100 federal prosecutors backing the call for intervention, the fate of Tigran Gambaryan remains uncertain. Lawmakers are urged to ensure his rights and well-being are protected, as the clock ticks toward the court’s recess in mid-July.
This case raises questions about international relations and corporate responsibility. What are your thoughts?
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