Lawmakers Push for Binance Exec’s Release from Nigerian Detention

U.S. Lawmakers Advocate for Release of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan

U.S. lawmakers are urgently advocating for the release of Binance’s executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained in Nigeria amid a political dispute.

Arkansas Republican Rep. French Hill has been urging the Biden administration to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and the head of financial crime compliance for Binance, is caught in what Hill describes as a “Nigerian political fight.”

In an interview with FOX Business, Hill, who is also the vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, mentioned plans to consult with State Department officials regarding Gambaryan. Gambaryan faces disputed charges, including money laundering.

“Tigran is a pawn in a Nigerian political fight. He needs to be brought home to America where he belongs and Binance can deal with the Nigerians.” — French Hill

Hill’s advocacy efforts intensified after visiting Gambaryan last week at Kuje prison near Abuja with Representative Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat. Hill reported that Gambaryan appeared “frail, fragile, emotionally drained and very weak,” noting concerns about Gambaryan’s health, including malaria and double pneumonia.

Binance executives Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwall were arrested in February and charged with criminal violations by the Nigerian government. Gambaryan is still awaiting trial, while Anjarwall, who escaped custody, was extradited from Kenya to Nigeria.

The two executives went to Nigeria to discuss regulatory issues on behalf of Binance and the government’s recent crackdown on cryptocurrency trading platforms with officials. They were arrested and held by the government without their passports following the negotiations.

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