US lawmakers Representative French Hill and Representative Chrissy Houlahan have called for the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance executive currently detained in Kuje Prison, Nigeria.
During their visit to the prison, Hill and Houlahan reported that Gambaryan is suffering from severe health issues including malaria and double pneumonia, and has lost significant weight.
They also highlighted concerns that Gambaryan was being denied adequate medical attention.
“I am deeply troubled by the conditions Tigran is enduring in Kuje Prison,” Hill stated.
“It’s unacceptable that he is suffering from serious health ailments without proper medical care.”
The Federal Government recently dropped tax evasion charges against Gambaryan, a development Hill acknowledged.
However, Hill expressed strong views that Gambaryan’s continued detention on money laundering charges was unjust.
“Tigran has dedicated his career to combating money laundering and tax evasion,” Hill emphasised.
“As a former IRS Special Agent, he played a crucial role in cyber and financial crime investigations. His arrest while working with Nigerian authorities underscores his commitment to justice.”
On June 4, Hill joined Representative McCormick and 16 other colleagues in urging for Gambaryan’s immediate release.
Their efforts were further supported by a letter signed by over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents, urging decisive action for Gambaryan’s humanitarian release.
“Tigran must be granted humanitarian release without delay,” Hill asserted. “The remaining charges against him should be dropped, and he should be allowed to return home to America where he belongs.”
Gambaryan, who was working as a contract employee at Binance during his arrest, has become a focal point of international concern regarding his treatment and legal status in Nigeria.
