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U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan have called for the immediate release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained in Nigeria on charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes. This appeal follows their visit to Kuje Prison, where they were alarmed by Gambaryan’s deteriorating health and the harsh conditions of his detention.
Gambaryan, who is suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, has reportedly lost significant weight and is being denied adequate medical attention. The legislators described the prison conditions as “horrible,” emphasizing the urgency of their request.
The call for Gambaryan’s release aligns with ongoing advocacy by his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, who has been urging the U.S. government to increase its efforts to secure her husband’s release. She highlighted that American tax dollars support Nigeria annually, underscoring the need for stronger diplomatic intervention.
Rep. Hill recounted the visit on his X page on Thursday, stating, “Yesterday, @RepHoulahan and I visited with US citizen Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison in Nigeria. We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight. Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention.”
Although Nigeria dropped the tax evasion charges against Gambaryan on June 14, Hill asserted that he is being wrongfully detained on money laundering charges. “Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs,” Hill stated.
Similarly, Rep. Houlahan expressed concern in a video, saying, “We did find pretty difficult conditions. He was clearly under a lot of stress and his health is not very good.” She emphasized the need for the U.S. embassy to push for Gambaryan’s humanitarian release due to his poor health and the severe prison conditions. “I hope we will be able to put the full force of America behind us to make sure that he is returned home safely,” Houlahan added.
Previously, a group of U.S. congressmen, including Hill, had written to President Joe Biden on June 4, urging him to pressure Nigeria for Gambaryan’s release. Despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and advocates, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its prosecution of Gambaryan.
