US Representative James Hill (R-AR) has raised alarms over the prolonged detention of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria, warning that it could jeopardize bilateral relations between the two nations. Gambaryan, a US citizen, has been held for six months on charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.
Hill, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the subcommittee overseeing digital assets and financial technology, emphasized Gambaryan’s significant contributions to combating cybercrime in the United States. He stated, “I’m surprised Nigeria, a country considered a friend to America, is holding a US citizen in detention over a matter he’s not directly involved in. I urge President Biden to push harder for his release.”
This is not the first time Hill has advocated for Gambaryan. In June, alongside Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Hill called for the executive's release after visiting him in prison and witnessing the poor conditions.
The lawmakers highlighted Gambaryan's deteriorating health and asserted his innocence, urging the US embassy to advocate for his humanitarian release. They stressed, “We have a taskforce in Congress that is on Americans wrongfully detained abroad, or held hostage. Clearly in our view, Tigran fits in that camp.”
As Gambaryan’s case continues to linger, the call for his immediate release grows louder, with many concerned about the potential diplomatic fallout if the situation remains unresolved.
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