Tensions between the United States and Nigeria are rising as Washington pressures the West African nation to release Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee detained since February. Gambaryan, a former US law enforcement officer, was arrested during a business trip to Nigeria, where he was holding discussions regarding the cryptocurrency giant’s operations. According to US State Department officials, his health has deteriorated significantly during his time in custody.
Gambaryan’s arrest and imprisonment have become a focal point in diplomatic relations between the two countries. Senior US diplomats have pushed for his release, raising the issue in high-level meetings. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly addressed the matter with his Nigerian counterpart as early as May, while the US ambassador to Nigeria has held private discussions with key Nigerian officials, including the president, finance minister, and attorney general.
A source from the US diplomatic team revealed, “We’ve argued for his release on humanitarian grounds, as his medical condition continues to worsen.” Gambaryan, 40, has reportedly contracted malaria and is suffering from the lingering effects of a herniated disk, according to his family. The US has voiced concerns that he has not received adequate medical care in the notorious Kuje prison in Abuja, where he has been held alongside high-profile prisoners, including members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
Gambaryan’s legal troubles stem from allegations by Nigerian authorities that Binance contributed to the collapse of the national currency, the naira, by facilitating fund transfers out of the country. Although tax evasion charges against Gambaryan were dropped, accusations of money laundering remain in place. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has denied all accusations, maintaining that Gambaryan is a midlevel employee who should not be held responsible for the company’s actions.
A representative of the Nigerian federal government defended the country’s stance, saying Gambaryan had access to medical care. “The courtroom is the correct forum to assess the merits of any prosecution,” the representative added.
Despite diplomatic pressures, Nigerian officials have not budged, with Bayo Onanuga, an adviser to President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging that “talks are ongoing,” but emphasizing that Nigeria would act within the law while considering Gambaryan’s humanitarian rights.
Gambaryan’s family, however, paints a grim picture of his condition. According to medical documents reviewed by The New York Times, Gambaryan has suffered from pneumonia and is now largely bedridden due to his spinal issues. His health crisis came to the forefront during a court appearance in which he hobbled on a single crutch and pleaded for a wheelchair.
Robert S. Litt, a lawyer for Gambaryan, has described the charges as “trumped-up” and claims that Nigerian authorities are aware of his client’s innocence. Litt has called on the US government to take stronger action, urging them to invoke the Levinson Act, which would escalate the case by designating Gambaryan as “wrongfully detained” and could lead to punitive measures against Nigerian officials.
As the legal and diplomatic standoff continues, Gambaryan’s supporters remain hopeful that increasing international pressure will lead to his release. However, his ongoing health struggles add urgency to an already tense situation, with the potential for long-term consequences if medical intervention is not provided soon.
