Surprise Positive Step from US Government to Binance

The U.S. government is pressuring Nigeria to release a detained employee of cryptocurrency giant Binance, citing deteriorating health conditions and a lack of adequate medical care.

According to two senior State Department officials, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken raised Gambaryan’s case with the Nigerian foreign minister in May. Other American diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, have called for Gambaryan’s release in private meetings with the Nigerian president, finance minister, attorney general and trade minister.

Gambaryan, 40, has been detained in Nigeria since his arrest in February. According to U.S. officials and his family, Gambaryan’s condition has deteriorated and he suffers from complications of malaria and a herniated disc. They say he has not received the necessary medical treatment despite repeated pleas, further endangering his health.

Since June, the State Department has been arguing for his release on humanitarian grounds, but so far Nigerian authorities have failed to act. US diplomats have stressed the urgency of the situation, while Gambarian’s supporters have criticised the US for not doing enough to secure his release.

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed disappointment with the U.S. government’s approach in an interview ahead of senior Nigerian officials expected to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly this month. “I would be very sad if the U.S. government welcomed the Nigerian delegates with open arms,” she warned, revealing the personal impact of the ordeal on the family.

*This is not investment advice.