U.S. Attorneys Push Biden to Free Binance Exec in Nigeria

A group of 18 state attorneys general, led by New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, has asked President Joe Biden to step in and help with the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February 2024.

In a letter sent on October 18, 2024, the attorneys urged Biden to designate Gambaryan as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, which would intensify diplomatic efforts to secure his release.

The attorneys expressed serious concerns over the legality of Gambaryan’s detention and his rapidly deteriorating health.

Attorney General John M. Formella, along with other attorneys general, says, “Mr. Gambaryan is a dedicated public servant who has devoted his life to upholding the law and protecting American values. His continued detention without cause is not only a violation of his rights but also poses a severe risk to his health and well-being,”

Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS official who joined Binance, traveled to Nigeria in 2024 to assist with cryptocurrency regulations. Upon arrival, he was arrested, had his passport confiscated, and has been held in prison without formal charges. 

Concerns over Gambaryan’s health grew after his Oct. 18 court hearing was postponed due to his absence. The hearing has been rescheduled for Oct. 25.

The situation escalated in July when U.S. Representative Rich McCormick introduced a resolution in Congress calling for Gambaryan’s detention to be formally labeled as a “hostage situation.”

McCormick and other lawmakers accused the Nigerian government of detaining Gambaryan to extort Binance. These claims are further supported by U.S. diplomats who have been actively pressuring Nigerian authorities to secure Gambaryan’s release. However, no progress has been made, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the charges against him.

Binance CEO Condemns Inhumane Treatment

Binance CEO Richard Teng has been vocal in condemning Gambaryan’s treatment. In September, a disturbing video surfaced showing Gambaryan struggling to walk, using a single crutch while being denied a wheelchair by prison guards.

Teng called the treatment “inhuman,” demanding that Gambaryan be released to receive medical care and reunite with his family. The video heightened international outcry, with Binance officials repeatedly calling for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.

Designating Tigran Gambaryan as a hostage under the Levinson Act would allow the U.S. government to apply additional diplomatic pressure on Nigeria, potentially leading to his release.

The group of attorneys general stressed that his detention without formal charges violates his rights and endangers his life, urging swift action. The U.S. government’s response is seen as pivotal in resolving the situation and securing Gambaryan’s safe return.