A group of US attorneys general is asking President Biden to help release a detained Binance executive. The executive’s health is deteriorating as political pressure mounts for his release.
A coalition of 18 US attorneys general has urged President Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to detain Binance executive Tigran Gambarian.
Gambarian, who has been detained for months without formal charges in Nigeria, faces deadly conditions, including malaria, in one of the country’s most dangerous prisons.
The Attorney General claimed Gambarian’s detention was politically motivated as Nigerian authorities used him as leverage in a dispute with Binance.
His health continued to deteriorate as he endured untreated illnesses.
“Tigran Gambarian’s detention is an unjustified tragedy,” said Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes said, “Bring Mr. Gambarian home to his family.”
Growing support
Despite efforts by his legal team, Gambarian has been denied bail and his trial has been repeatedly delayed.
His recent absence from court due to serious illness raised concerns about his ability to endure further jail time.
However, Nigerian officials downplayed the seriousness of his health problems, saying he was receiving adequate medical care.
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In a letter to the Biden administration, Attorney General Robert Levinson urged the implementation of the Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
This unlocks resources and applies diplomatic pressure to secure Gambarian’s release.
“This is not just a legal matter, but a humanitarian one,” said Attorney General Reyes.
Gambaryan, a former IRS special agent, was arrested after traveling to Nigeria to discuss crypto regulations with local authorities.
Upon arrival, he was detained without reason and his passport was confiscated. Since then he has been held in Kuje prison, known for violent conditions and extremist inmates.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 25.
Kyle Baird is News Weekend Editor. Got a tip? Email at [email protected].
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