Rep McCormick Proposed Bill to Free Binance Exec. Held in Nigeria Custody

As a long-term crypto investor with a keen interest in the regulatory landscape, I find the situation surrounding Tigran Gambaryan’s detention in Nigerian custody deeply concerning. Having closely followed Binance’s growth and its role in the crypto space, I believe that this case highlights the importance of clear communication between governments and cryptocurrency exchanges to avoid misunderstandings and potential human rights violations.


Expert: Rich McCormick, a representative, has proposed legislation aiming to facilitate the freedom of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, who has spent several months in Nigerian detention.

As a researcher, I would put it this way: I have come across a legislative proposal, labeled as “Urging the Nigerian Government to Swiftly Free Binance Employee Tigran Gambaryan from Imprisonment.” This bill has been directed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for further examination.

As a crypto investor, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the developing situation regarding Gambaryan’s detention in Nigeria. The authorities there have leveled money laundering allegations against Binance and its executives, which has raised concerns within the cryptocurrency community and even caught the attention of U.S. lawmakers. Previously, it was claimed that Binance’s activities were negatively impacting local currency growth in Nigeria. This case is significant because of the potential implications for Binance and the broader crypto industry.

Rep McCormick Proposed Bill to Free Binance Exec. Held in Nigeria Custody

U.S Congressmembers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan recently traveled to Nigeria for a security mission during which they met with an individual named Gambaryan. They raised concerns over his health, disclosing that he was battling malaria and double pneumonia, among other ailments. Furthermore, they pointed out that he had significantly lost weight and was not receiving sufficient medical care. However, Nigerian prison authorities have contested these reports regarding Gambaryan’s health condition.

There have been growing worries about human rights violations in light of Gambaryan’s situation, prompting calls for his freedom and reunification with his family. Rep. McCormick from Georgia is spearheading the legislative initiative to tackle this prolonged confinement.

This year, during a visit to Nigeria to discuss regulatory matters, my colleague Nadeem Arjarwalla and I were initially detained by the office of the National Security Adviser. While Arjarwalla managed to escape from custody, I have remained in detention. The tax evasion charges against us have been dismissed, but the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still persisting with their investigation into alleged money laundering activities.

As a researcher, I can share that Binance has consistently stated that I am not in a decision-making role within their organization. Despite this, I have been actively advocating for my own release.

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2024-07-12 02:44