Release Binance Chief, his health deteriorating, US lawmakers appeal

United States lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan have pleaded for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeriaon charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.

Following a visit to Gambaryan at Kuje prison, where they observed his deteriorating health and the harsh detention conditions, the lawmakers called for urgent action.

Hill posted this on his X handle on Thursday, 20th June, 2024. He recounted their visit,  and emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

He stated that although Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against Gambaryan on June 14, he believed Gambaryan is still wrongfully detained on money laundering charges.

Hill called for Gambaryan’s immediate humanitarian release, the dropping of the remaining charges, and his return to the United States.

Similarly, Representative Houlahan, in a video statement, noted the difficult conditions they found Gambaryan in and emphasized his poor health.

She expressed hope that the U.S. would exert its full influence to ensure his safe return home.

Previously, a group of U.S. congressmen, including Hill, wrote to President Joe Biden on June 4, 2024, urging him to pressure Nigeria for Gambaryan’s release.

However, despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and advocates, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria continues its prosecution of Gambaryan.

Hill wrote, “Yesterday, @RepHoulahan and I visited with US citizen Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison in Nigeria. We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight.

“Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention.

“Although I am pleased that Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against Tigran on 6/14, it’s my view that he’s being wrongfully detained on charges related to money laundering,” he said.

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Hill further stated, “Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs.”

Similarly, Representative Houlahan in a video said they have requested the U.S. embassy to push for Gambaryan’s humanitarian release due to his poor health and the severe conditions in the prison.

“We did find pretty difficult conditions. He was clearly under a lot of stress and his health is not very good,” Houlahan said.

She continued that she hopes “we will be able to put the full force of America behind us to make sure that he is returned home safely.”