Lawmakers in the United States of America have sent a letter to America’s President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens on Tuesday, urging them to take immediate action to bring Binance executive , Tigran Gambaryan, home from detention in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX) and 15 other Members of Congress signed the letter, urgently requesting that the case be treated as a hostage situation.
The letter states that Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, has been refused adequate health care in prison amid a three-month detainment marked by “excessive and harsh treatment.”
“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late,” they wrote.
In February, the Nigerian government arrested Gambaryan, a US citizen, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, on suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion.
Anjarwalla evaded arrest and fled to Kenya, while his colleague remained in the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
On May 17, the Federal High Court of Nigeria refused to grant bail to Gambaryan, finding the crypto exchange’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance a flight risk.
In a court hearing on May 22, Gambaryan was absent, with the court, prosecutors and defense team seemingly unaware of his whereabouts or condition. When the court reconvened the next day, Gambaryan was present but “slumped over in his chair,” and could not stand when called, collapsing to the floor, according to the U.S. lawmakers’ letter. Amid reports that Gambaryan tested positive for malaria, the judge ordered he be sent to a private hospital for treatment. However, as of June 4, the prison has not fully complied with the court order, the lawmakers said.
