U.S. Lawmakers Push for Hostage Designation of Detained Binance Executive in Nigeria

Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill have introduced a resolution to the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, urging the government to designate Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan as a hostage in Nigeria. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former Internal Revenue Service agent, has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024 on money laundering charges.

The resolution, submitted on July 10, 2024, calls for immediate action from both the U.S. and Nigerian governments. Key points include:

1. Immediate release: The lawmakers demand that Nigeria release Gambaryan from imprisonment immediately.
2. Hostage designation: They urge the U.S. government to formally declare Gambaryan as a “U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government” under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
3. Health concerns: The resolution highlights Gambaryan’s deteriorating health in Kuje Prison, citing reports of malaria, pneumonia, and inadequate medical care.
4. Legal status: While tax evasion charges against Gambaryan have been dropped, he still faces money laundering charges from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
5. Urgency: The lawmakers stress the need for resolution before mid-July, as the Nigerian court typically recesses until September, potentially prolonging Gambaryan’s detention.

Rep. McCormick stated, “The continued detention of Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria is a clear violation of his rights and a grave injustice.” Rep. Hill, who visited Gambaryan in prison, added, “His health is deteriorating. He must be immediately granted a release, the remaining charges dropped, and return home to America where he belongs.”

The resolution follows a letter signed by 16 members of Congress in June, urging the White House to address Gambaryan’s imprisonment urgently. Additionally, over 100 federal prosecutors and agents have asked the State Department to secure his release.

Binance maintains that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker in the company and advocates for his release, arguing that any issues between the exchange and Nigerian authorities should be resolved without involving him.

This case highlights the complex intersection of cryptocurrency regulation, international relations, and individual rights, as lawmakers and the crypto industry rally to support a U.S. citizen caught in a legal battle abroad.