- U.S. attorneys urge Biden to designate Binance manager detained in Nigeria as a hostage.
- Diplomatic pressure could increase chances of his release under the Levinson Act.
In a decisive move, eighteen state attorneys general from across the United States have come together to address a pressing human rights issue that has far-reaching implications in international relations and the global cryptocurrency market. Their collective plea to the Biden administration focuses on the plight of Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. law enforcement officer and current compliance officer at Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume.
The Window of Diplomacy Opens
The appeal to designate Gambaryan as a hostage is rooted in the provisions of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Accountability Act. This act empowers the U.S. government to take more assertive actions in securing the release of Americans detained abroad under dubious circumstances. The attorneys general have expressed deep concerns about Gambaryan’s safety, emphasizing the irregular and illegal nature of his detention by Nigerian authorities.
Tigran Gambaryan’s association with Binance is particularly notable given the platform’s pivotal role in the cryptocurrency sector, a domain where legal and regulatory compliance are under intense scrutiny globally. Before his tenure at Binance, Gambaryan served as a Special Agent with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where he focused on upholding American values and enforcing the law across borders—a testament to his commitment and integrity.
Circumstances of Detention
Earlier this year, Gambaryan was invited by Nigerian officials to discuss surveillance strategies for cryptocurrency markets. However, upon his arrival, he was detained without explanation, his passport seized, and he was incarcerated without being formally charged. This incident has sparked outrage and concern among legal experts and human rights advocates globally.
Currently, Gambaryan is confined in a notoriously harsh Nigerian prison, where his health has reportedly deteriorated rapidly. His lawyers have confirmed that he is suffering from life-threatening conditions, underscoring the gravity of his situation and the urgent need for intervention.
The call to action by the attorneys general is not just about securing Gambaryan’s release; it is also about asserting the rule of law and the protection of U.S. citizens abroad. By potentially designating him as a hostage, the U.S. government could leverage additional resources and diplomatic channels to expedite his release and ensure his safe return.
In conclusion, the situation of Tigran Gambaryan serves as a critical reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with international law enforcement and diplomacy, especially in the volatile nexus of global finance and politics. The bipartisan effort to secure his release reflects a unified stance on protecting American citizens and upholding the principles of justice and human rights worldwide.