U.S. Urges Nigeria to Release Binance Executive Amid Health Concerns and Diplomatic Tensions

• The United States government continues its efforts to secure the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024.
• Gambaryan, a former U.S. law enforcement officer, faces serious health risks due to reportedly inadequate medical care while in detention.
• U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and other officials have engaged in high-level discussions with Nigerian authorities regarding Gambaryan’s release.

U.S. officials petition Nigerian authorities for the release of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, citing serious health concerns and diplomatic implications.

Renewed Diplomatic Efforts to Release Tigran Gambaryan

The United States has intensified its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria. Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, has personally addressed the issue with Nigeria’s counterparts, emphasizing the urgency due to Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition. According to a New York Times report citing senior State Department sources, these discussions were held in May.

Health Concerns Compound Legal and Diplomatic Tensions

Gambaryan has been in Nigerian custody since early 2024, and his health has reportedly been in decline. His family claims he has suffered from malaria and complications related to a herniated disk, exacerbated by inadequate medical treatment. During a court appearance in May, the defendant showed visible signs of distress, pleading for support due to severe mobility issues. These health concerns have added a humanitarian dimension to the legal and diplomatic complexities surrounding his detention.

Legal and Economic Considerations

Nigerian authorities have accused Gambaryan and Binance of causing economic harm by facilitating the transfer of funds out of the local currency, thus destabilizing the economy. While the tax evasion charges against Gambaryan have been dropped, he still faces allegations of money laundering. His lawyer, Robert S. Litt, has described these charges as “trumped-up” and insists on his client’s innocence. Despite assertions of unfair detention, Nigerian officials argue that the judicial process must take its course.

Impact on U.S.-Nigeria Relations

The case has become a significant issue in U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations. U.S. lawmakers have been vocal, urging the administration to classify Gambaryan as “wrongfully detained” under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. In June, multiple U.S. Representatives sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary Blinken advocating for this designation. This was followed by a formal resolution in July, further intensifying calls for action.

Humanitarian Concerns and Family Appeals

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has expressed her frustration with the U.S. government’s efforts, questioning their adequacy. The family argues that the U.S. should leverage its diplomatic influence more aggressively, especially with significant international events on the horizon, such as the United Nations General Assembly.

Conclusion

The case of Tigran Gambaryan remains a complex interplay of legal, economic, and humanitarian issues. While diplomatic efforts by the U.S. have intensified, Nigerian authorities maintain that the judicial process must proceed. The Trumped-up charges against Gambaryan, coupled with his deteriorating health, continue to generate concern among U.S. officials and international observers. As this case unfolds, it remains a pivotal issue in the broader context of U.S.-Nigeria relations.