U.S. Representative Rich McCormick introduced a bill urging Nigeria to release Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, detained since February 2024 on money laundering accusations.
U.S. Representative Rich McCormick has introduced a measure to Congress to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been detained in Nigerian custody since February 2024.
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has been referred the bill, “Urging the Government of Nigeria to release Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan from imprisonment immediately.”
The detention of Gambaryan is the result of allegations by Nigerian authorities that Binance and its executives are involved in money laundering.
These allegations were made in response to previous assertions that the cryptocurrency exchange was having a detrimental effect on the development of Nigeria’s local currency.
The crypto community and U.S. legislators have both been interested in the case. Rep. McCormick, who represents Gambaryan’s native state of Georgia, is spearheading this legislative initiative to resolve the ongoing detention.
The bill urges the U.S. government to formally declare Gambaryan as a captive and take measures to ensure his release if the case is not resolved by mid-July.
Gambaryan’s dissemination is supported by a broader audience than Congress. The U.S. State Department has been requested by more than 100 federal prosecutors and agents to ensure his freedom.
Yuki, Gambaryan’s wife, has initiated a petition that is rapidly approaching its objective of accumulating 5,000 signatures.
Gambaryan’s health and treatment while in custody have been the subject of concern as a result of the situation.
During a national security mission to Nigeria, French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, members of the U.S. Congress, visited Gambaryan and submitted distressing information regarding his condition.
They reported that he was being denied adequate medical attention, had lost a significant amount of weight, and was suffering from double pneumonia and malaria.
Nevertheless, these assertions regarding Gambaryan’s health status have been refuted by Nigerian prison officials.
At first, Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Arjarwalla were accused of tax evasion and money laundering after traveling to Nigeria as representatives of Binance.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to pursue money laundering accusations against Gambaryan, despite the fact that the tax evasion charges have been dropped.
In March, Arjarwalla reportedly evaded arrest and fled to Kenya, with the anticipation of being extradited to Nigeria.
Binance has consistently maintained that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker within the organization and has continued to promote his release.
The company maintains that any disputes between Binance and Nigerian authorities should be resolved without Gambaryan being implicated.
