U.S lawmakers seek release of Binance chief
The United States lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan have called for the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained in Nigeria on charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.
The lawmakers’ appeal followed a Wednesday’s visit to Gambaryan at Kuje prison, where they were alarmed by his deteriorating health and the conditions of his detention.
Gambaryan, suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, has reportedly lost significant weight and is being denied adequate medical attention.
The legislators emphasised the urgency of their request, describing the prison conditions as “horrible.”
The plea aligned with calls from Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, who has been advocating for his release.
She also urged the U.S. government to increase its efforts to secure her husband’s release, noting that American tax dollars support Nigeria annually.
Hill gave the account of the visit on his X page on Thursday, highlighting the urgency of the situation, stating, “Yesterday, @RepHoulahan and I visited with US citizen Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison in Nigeria. We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight.
“Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention.
“Although I am pleased that Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against Tigran on 6/14, it’s my view that he’s being wrongfully detained on charges related to money laundering,” he said.
Hill further stated, “Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs.”
Similarly, Representative Houlahan in a video said they have requested the U.S. embassy to push for Gambaryan’s humanitarian release due to his poor health and the severe conditions in the prison.
“We did find pretty difficult conditions. He was clearly under a lot of stress and his health is not very good,” Houlahan said.
She continued that she hopes “we will be able to put the full force of America behind us to make sure that he is returned home safely.”
Previously, a group of U.S. congressmen, including Hill, wrote to President Joe Biden on June 4, 2024, urging him to pressure Nigeria for Gambaryan’s release.
The EFCC continues its prosecution of Gambaryan, despite mounting pressure from U.S lawmakers and advocates.
