A group of 18 state attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Leticia James, have called on President Joe Biden to declare Binance compliance officer Tigran Gambaryan a hostage of the Nigerian government. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former IRS Special Agent, has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024 under potentially life-threatening circumstances.
The attorneys general expressed serious concerns about Gambaryan’s health and well-being, emphasizing that he has been denied necessary medical treatment during his imprisonment. They believe that designating Gambaryan as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act would expedite his recovery process and apply diplomatic pressure for his immediate release.
Gambaryan’s detention is believed to be linked to a dispute between the Nigerian government and Binance, with Nigerian officials allegedly using him as leverage in the matter. Despite being invited to address allegations against Binance, Gambaryan was arrested upon arrival without formal charges and has been held in Kuje Prison without access to basic needs.
The attorneys general condemned the Nigerian government’s actions as a blatant misuse of power and extortion, calling for the U.S. Government to intervene given America’s support of the Nigerian regime. They also raised concerns about Gambaryan’s safety in a prison known for housing violent extremists.
In a recent court proceeding, the Nigerian government failed to produce Gambaryan and provided vague information about his whereabouts. This lack of transparency has further fueled fears about his well-being and the urgency of securing his release.
The attorneys general’s letter to President Biden emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent Gambaryan’s detention from escalating into a tragedy. They are calling for increased diplomatic efforts to ensure his safe return to the United States and hold the Nigerian government accountable for his unlawful captivity.
