Two U.S. congressmen have introduced a resolution to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, urging the U.S. government to classify the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria as a hostage situation.
Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill announced their resolution on Thursday, emphasizing Gambaryan’s status as a U.S. citizen and demanding his immediate release from detention in Kuje Prison, where his health has reportedly deteriorated.
The resolution, introduced by McCormick and co-sponsored by Hill, seeks to declare Gambaryan a “U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government.” It highlights concerns that without resolution in Gambaryan’s court case by mid-July, his detention could extend unnecessarily due to a court recess until September.
Gambaryan, formerly with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, along with another Binance executive, was detained in Nigeria in February. While tax charges were dropped recently, both individuals still face money laundering allegations.
The congressmen underscore Gambaryan’s decade-long service with the IRS and his record of recovering billions in illicit funds for the U.S. government. They stress the urgency of his situation, with Hill noting his deteriorating health during a recent prison visit and emphasizing the need for swift action by the Nigerian government.
McCormick condemned Gambaryan’s detention as a violation of his rights and a serious injustice. The lawmakers’ efforts follow a letter signed by 16 members of Congress in June, urging the White House to address Gambaryan’s plight urgently to ensure his safety and secure his release.
