U.S. lawmakers are deeply concerned about the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria, with Arkansas Republican Rep. French Hill leading the charge for his release. Hill believes that Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance for Binance, is caught in the middle of a political dispute in Nigeria. He has been pressing the Biden administration to take action and bring Gambaryan back to the United States.
Hill recently visited Gambaryan at the Kuje prison near Abuja with Representative Chrissy Houlahan, where he observed Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition. He described Gambaryan as “frail, fragile, emotionally drained, and very weak,” expressing concerns about his health, including malaria and double pneumonia. The situation has amplified Hill’s determination to secure Gambaryan’s release and address the disputed charges against him, which include money laundering.
Gambaryan and another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwall, were both arrested in February by the Nigerian government on criminal charges related to their activities in the country. While Gambaryan is still awaiting trial, Anjarwall managed to escape custody but was later extradited from Kenya back to Nigeria. The executives had traveled to Nigeria to discuss regulatory issues regarding cryptocurrency trading platforms with government officials, leading to their detention without their passports.
French Hill has been vocal about the need to bring Gambaryan home and for Binance to address the situation with the Nigerian authorities. He views Gambaryan as a “pawn in a Nigerian political fight” and believes that he should be allowed to return to the United States. Hill, who is also the vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, plans to engage with State Department officials to push for action in Gambaryan’s case and ensure his well-being.
