The case of U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, a former federal agent who is being wrongfully detained by the Nigerian government, should be transferred to the Special Presidential Envoy to Hostage Affairs, say more than a dozen U.S. House Republicans.
“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and we fear for his life,” the GOP members wrote in a June 4 letter sent to President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy Roger Carstens. “Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late.”
The letter is led by U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), along with 14 of their colleagues, including U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Ann Wagner (R-MO), French Hill (R-AR), and Andy Barr (R-KY).
Gambaryan, who as a former federal agent has a background in cyber investigations, currently serves as the head of Financial Crime Compliance for Binance, which operates the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
The Nigerian government invited Gambaryan to their country for high-level meetings regarding its compliance with Binance. Following two rounds of meetings, the Nigerian government on Feb. 26 took Gambaryan hostage and transferred him to the notorious Kuje Prison, which is known for its harsh conditions, according to their letter.
Since being jailed, the lawmakers noted that the Nigerian government has admitted openly in court that Gambaryan is being tried in lieu of pursuing legal action against his employer.
“It is crucial to emphasize that the charges against Mr. Gambaryan are baseless and constitute a coercion tactic by the Nigerian government to extort his employer, Binance,” wrote Rep. McCaul, Rep. McCormick, and their colleagues. “Following these charges, Mr. Gambaryan qualifies as a ‘U.S. Citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government,’ as defined in the ‘Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.’”
The congressmen pointed out that Gambaryan’s detainment has been marked by excessive and harsh treatment, and he has not been permitted to meet with his legal team without the presence of government officials and armed guards.
Most recently, Gambaryan collapsed in court and tested positive for malaria, yet as of June 4 prison officials have not complied with court orders to ensure his adequate medical treatment, according to the letter.
“Clearly, Mr. Gambaryan is a U.S. citizen being wrongfully detained by the Government of Nigeria,” wrote the lawmakers, who requested his case be transferred to the U.S.