U.S. Intensifies Diplomatic Pressure on Nigeria for Tigran Gambaryan’s Release

U.S. Intensifies Diplomatic Pressure on Nigeria for Tigran Gambaryan’s Release

The United States has ramped up its diplomatic efforts, urging Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan, a prominent figure in crypto compliance at Binance. This move comes as Gambaryan’s detention continues to strain U.S.-Nigeria relations.

According to reports, anonymous sources from the State Department have indicated that Gambaryan’s prolonged detention is a major factor impacting diplomatic ties between the two nations. Both Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria have privately pressed Nigerian officials to facilitate Gambaryan’s release.

Gambaryan, who was arrested in February on allegations of money laundering, is facing scrutiny over Nigeria’s handling of the case. Questions have arisen about the appropriateness of his detention given his limited role in decision-making at Binance.

Concerns about Gambaryan’s health have further intensified the situation. In June, U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who visited him at Kuje prison near Abuja, reported that he was in deteriorating health. Hill noted that Gambaryan was suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and had lost significant weight, while being denied necessary medical care.

Recent footage from a court hearing has exacerbated concerns about Gambaryan’s condition. The video shows him struggling to walk due to an untreated herniated disc and expressing distress over his treatment. Hill condemned the worsening conditions and called for immediate action to secure Gambaryan’s release.

Binance has also voiced strong concerns over Gambaryan’s plight. A spokesperson for the crypto exchange expressed deep distress over the court footage and urged the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds. “We are deeply worried about Tigran’s deteriorating health and the implications of his continued detention,” the spokesperson said. “Nigeria does not need to hold Tigran to address any past issues. We urge the Nigerian government to allow him to return so we can resolve these matters and continue our collaboration.”

As the situation develops, both U.S. officials and Binance are advocating for Gambaryan’s immediate release to address his health concerns and resolve the underlying issues of his detention.