U.S. Diplomatic Pressure on Nigeria Over Tigran Gambaryan Intensifies
The U.S. government is ramping up its efforts to secure the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February. According to a report by The New York Times, Gambaryan’s ongoing detention on money laundering charges has become a significant point of tension in U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
Two anonymous State Department officials have revealed that U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the U.S. ambassador to them have privately urged Nigerian authorities to release Gambaryan. Despite their advocacy, Gambaryan remains in custody, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the charges against him and his role within Binance.
Tigran Gambaryan’s Deteriorating Health in Nigerian Detention
Gambaryan’s health has been a growing concern since his detention, with U.S. Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) visiting him in Kuje prison in June. During their visit, they found Gambaryan in poor condition, suffering from malaria, double pneumonia, and significant weight loss. Despite these health issues, he has been denied proper medical treatment.
A recent video of Gambaryan in court, showing him visibly struggling to walk due to an untreated herniated disc, has further intensified calls for his release. In the footage, Gambaryan is heard crying out in frustration, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of his detention.
Binance Calls for Gambaryan’s Release
Binance, where Gambaryan serves as a crypto compliance chief, has consistently advocated for his release on humanitarian grounds. A spokesperson for the company expressed deep concern over Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, stating, “We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court. His health is rapidly declining, and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention”.
The spokesperson also emphasized that Gambaryan’s continued detention is unnecessary for resolving any alleged issues between Binance and Nigeria. Binance has urged the Nigerian government to allow Gambaryan to return home so that matters can be settled diplomatically.
Diplomatic Strain Between the U.S. and Nigeria
The detention of Tigran Gambaryan has become a diplomatic sticking point between the U.S. and them. Both nations have long maintained a cooperative relationship, but the ongoing controversy surrounding Gambaryan’s arrest threatens to complicate their ties. As the U.S. continues to press for his release, the resolution of this issue could be a key factor in the future of U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
