The US attorney generals from several states have come together to request President Joe Biden’s intervention in the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gimbrayan by Nigerian authorities. This urgent plea follows growing concerns over Gimbrayan’s deteriorating health and underscores the need for immediate action.
US Attorneys Urge Biden to Recognize Tigran’s Detention as a Hostage Situation
In a compelling letter addressed to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, 18 US attorney generals have voiced their grave concerns over the prolonged detention of Tigran Gimbrayan in Nigeria. Held in custody for over seven months, Gimbrayan, an American citizen working for Binance, was detained in February along with his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla during a visit to Nigeria related to regulatory matters concerning the crypto exchange.
While Anjarwalla managed to escape Nigeria in March, Gimbrayan remains detained, facing charges of money laundering and tax evasion, representing Binance. Attorney generals from Utah, Connecticut, and Kansas, among other states, have criticized the detention as unlawful, arguing that it serves as leverage for Nigerian authorities in their ongoing dispute with Binance.
Adding to the urgency, the attorneys have highlighted Gimbrayan’s declining health. He has reportedly been denied access to treatment for serious health conditions, including malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc, which could lead to severe consequences if left untreated. The alarming situation draws parallels with the tragic case of US student Otto Warmbier in North Korea.
Given these circumstances, the attorney generals have called on President Biden to classify Gimbrayan as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. Such a designation would mobilize government resources and increase diplomatic pressure to expedite Gimbrayan’s release.
US Attorney Generals Emphasize the Need to Protect a Valued American Citizen
In advocating for a hostage designation, the US attorney generals have emphasized Gimbrayan’s commendable service to the US government prior to his role at Binance. Having served as a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a federal agent involved in dismantling dark web sites like AlphaBay and Silk Road, Gimbrayan’s contributions have been significant. The attorney generals are urging President Biden to safeguard the life of an American citizen and esteemed law enforcement officer by any means necessary.
Joining this call to action are attorney generals from a diverse array of states, including New Hampshire, Maine, Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, US Virgin Islands, Vermont, and Virginia. Their collective voice amplifies the urgency of the situation and the need for swift diplomatic intervention.
The potential implications of Gimbrayan’s case extend beyond individual concerns, highlighting broader issues of international relations and the treatment of American citizens abroad. The attorney generals’ plea for action underscores the importance of protecting American interests and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens involved in complex international disputes.
