Congress Members Seek Freedom for Binance Employee in Nigeria

US Representatives Seek Release of Jailed Binance Worker in Nigeria

Two members of the US Congress are speaking up for a Binance employee locked up in Nigeria. They're asking the Nigerian government to let him go on humanitarian grounds.

French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, both members of the US House of Representatives, recently visited Tigran Gambaryan in Kuje Prison, a facility known for its tough conditions. After seeing Gambaryan and the prison firsthand, they're now calling for his release.

Who is Tigran Gambaryan?

Gambaryan works for Binance, a big cryptocurrency company. Earlier this year, Nigerian authorities arrested him, along with another Binance employee named Nadeem Anjarwalla. They were initially charged with tax evasion, but those charges have since been dropped.

Why is Gambaryan Still in Prison?

Even though the tax charges are gone, Gambaryan is still being held. The Nigerian government now says he's involved in money laundering. However, Congressman Hill believes these charges are unfair and that Gambaryan shouldn't be in jail.

Health concerns— The situation is made worse by Gambaryan's poor health. According to Hill, Gambaryan is sick with malaria and a severe case of pneumonia. The lawmakers are worried because they say the prison isn't giving Gambaryan the medical care he needs.

Binance's Response

Binance has tried to help its employees by appointing a local representative in Nigeria to deal with the legal issues. This move led to the tax evasion charges being dropped. However, it wasn't enough to get Gambaryan released.

Why are US Lawmakers Involved?

As members of the US government, Hill and Houlahan are concerned about the treatment of an American citizen abroad. They're using their positions to draw attention to Gambaryan's case and push for his release.

Hill, who is known for supporting cryptocurrency, argues that Gambaryan was just a contract worker for Binance when he was arrested. This means Gambaryan didn't have any power to make big decisions at the company. Hill thinks this is an important point that should help Gambaryan's case.

What Do the Lawmakers Want?

Hill and Houlahan are asking the Nigerian government to do two main things:

1. Give Gambaryan a "humanitarian release" - This means letting him go because of his health problems and the harsh prison conditions.

2. Drop all remaining charges against him - They believe the money laundering charges are unfair and should be dismissed.

The Broader View

This case is part of a larger story about how different countries are dealing with cryptocurrency companies. Nigeria, like many nations, is trying to figure out how to regulate these new financial technologies. Sometimes, as in this case, individual employees can get caught in the middle of these disputes.

What's Next?

It's not clear yet how Nigeria will respond to the US lawmakers' request. The case has caught the attention of people in both countries, putting pressure on the Nigerian government to take action.

For now, Gambaryan remains in Kuje Prison. His situation highlights the risks that can come with working in the cryptocurrency industry, especially in countries where the rules around digital money are still being worked out.

As this story develops, many will be watching to see how Nigeria balances its law enforcement goals with international pressure and humanitarian concerns. The outcome could have implications not just for Gambaryan, but for how cryptocurrency companies operate in Nigeria and other countries in the future.

Also read – Bitcoin Miners Facing Challenges, But No Cause for Panic