Tigran Gambaryan is an American citizen and a compliance officer for Binance. He has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024. What began as a business trip to discuss cryptocurrency regulations has turned into a serious situation. Tigran now finds himself imprisoned in Kuje Prison.
Originally, Tigran, a former federal agent, traveled to Nigeria to address regulatory concerns from local officials. The Nigerian government accused Binance of enabling capital flight and contributing to the decline of the naira, Nigeria's official currency. This accusation has serious implications.
In January 2024, Tigran faced tense meetings with Nigerian lawmakers. They alleged that Binance was evading taxes and violating anti-money laundering laws. Lured back to Nigeria with promises of safety, Tigran hoped to resolve these issues. Unfortunately, the meetings quickly turned hostile. On February 26, he and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were taken into custody by Nigerian security officials without formal charges. They spent nearly a month detained at a government guesthouse.
During his six months in detention, Tigran has endured significant physical and emotional suffering. His colleague managed to escape in March, but Tigran remains behind bars. The conditions are worsening as the Nigerian government pursues charges against him as well as against Binance.
After six months, Tigran's health has critically declined. He suffers from an untreated herniated disc, making it difficult for him to walk without crutches. He can use a wheelchair only when he has visitors. Despite repeated court orders, prison authorities have withheld his medical records.
His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, released a heartfelt video statement. She highlighted the severe toll his detention has taken on his health: “His health is deteriorating so much that he can no longer walk. Between bouts of malaria, pneumonia, and now severe tonsillitis, he is reaching the point of no return. For six months, our children haven’t held their father’s hand. He has missed everything important to us, and now I fear he may not survive this nightmare,” Yuki said.
In a recent interview, Tigran's attorney, Will Frentzen, described the urgency of Tigran's medical needs. He requires back surgery and treatment for tonsillitis and a chest infection. Tigran has previously contracted pneumonia and malaria, raising concerns about a possible recurrence. Frentzen emphasized, “Tigran Gambaryan’s detention is not just a miscarriage of justice because he is innocent of these charges; it is a life-threatening situation.” Despite court orders, Tigran’s access to critical medical care remains limited, and the conditions of his imprisonment continue to worsen. Frentzen called on Nigerian authorities to comply with international human rights standards and release him immediately. “It’s a matter of saving a human life,” he stated.
From July 26 to August 14, authorities barred Tigran’s legal team from visiting him. When they were allowed access, visits were limited to just five minutes, which was insufficient for preparing his defense. Afterward, they were again denied entry, further obstructing his legal representation.
In light of these alarming developments, U.S. lawmakers introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives. On July 10, 2024, Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill submitted House Resolution 1348 (H.Res. 1348), urging the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambaryan immediately. The resolution also calls on the U.S. Government to formally designate Tigran as a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. It highlights the deteriorating conditions in Kuje Prison and emphasizes that Tigran’s continued detention lacks a legal basis. This resolution has bipartisan support.
Despite these efforts, Nigerian officials continue to delay action, and Tigran’s health is declining further. His trial was interrupted when the judiciary went on recess in July. On September 2, 2024, a bail application hearing was postponed to September 4 by Justice Emeka Nwite. During this hearing, Justice Nwite ordered that Tigran be allowed to use a wheelchair in court. However, the prosecutor opposed the application, claiming that Tigran was not in ill health. On September 10, Justice Nwite adjourned Tigran’s trial until October 11, 2024, extending his time in prison even more.
Although the Nigerian authorities dropped tax evasion charges against Tigran in June, they have agreed to bring those charges against Binance instead. The Nigerian government has openly admitted that trying Tigran and Binance together is a way to pressure the company, showcasing the political nature of his detention.
Jim Lee, Global Head of Capacity Building at Chainalysis and former Chief of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, expressed deep concern over Tigran’s wrongful detention. He said, “Tigran is being unjustly held responsible for actions tied to Binance that were beyond his control as a compliance officer. It is troubling to see him punished for issues he had no involvement in.”
With each legal delay, Tigran’s health deteriorates further, increasing the urgency for immediate action.
Tigran’s wrongful detention is now a matter of life and death. Since his arrest, he has missed countless milestones: his son’s 5th birthday, his first day of school, his 40th birthday, and his 15th wedding anniversary with Yuki on August 31. His health is hanging by a thread, and his family is left pleading for his life.
The U.S. Congress, Binance, and Tigran’s family have all called for his immediate release. The world watches closely as Nigerian officials head to the United Nations General Assembly. With Tigran’s life in jeopardy, Nigeria can act now—before it’s too late.
It’s time to end the suffering. It’s time to bring Tigran home.
To learn more or support the efforts to bring Tigran home, visit www.bringtigranhome.com.
Gary Weinstein is the Founder & Principal of Infinity.