US State Attorneys General Call on Biden to Help Free Detained Binance Executive

A group of 18 state attorneys general have urged President Joe Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024. The attorneys are pushing for Gambaryan to be designated as a hostage under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.

Attorneys General Seek Presidential Action

In a joint letter dated October 18, the state attorneys general expressed growing concern over Gambaryan’s prolonged detention without formal charges. Gambaryan, a US citizen and former law enforcement officer, has been in Nigerian custody for over eight months with his legal status remaining unclear. The lawyers argue his detention is unlawful and have called for swift action from the Biden administration to secure his release.

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who initiated the letter, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that “his continued detention without any reason is not only unlawful but also threatens his life.”

Health Concerns Mount

Gambaryan’s health has reportedly deteriorated significantly during his detention. On October 18, he was unable to appear in court for a hearing due to his poor condition. The next court date has been set for October 25.

His legal team has reported that Gambaryan suffers from life-threatening medical issues and has been subjected to inhumane treatment while imprisoned. A video posted in early September showed Gambaryan struggling to walk without a wheelchair, prompting outrage from Binance leadership. CEO Richard Teng demanded Gambaryan’s immediate release, describing his treatment as “inhuman” in a Twitter post.

Push for Hostage Designation

The attorneys general are urging the Biden administration to formally classify Gambaryan’s detention as a hostage situation under the Robert Levinson Act. This designation would allow the US government to apply greater diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities and potentially expedite Gambaryan’s release.

The move has gained support from some members of Congress, including Representative Rich McCormick, who introduced a resolution in July to recognize Gambaryan’s arrest as a hostage-taking incident.

While the US State Department has reportedly been in ongoing talks with Nigerian officials, little progress has been made in securing Gambaryan’s freedom. The attorneys general’s letter represents a renewed push for more decisive action from the federal government. With Gambaryan’s health in rapid decline, pressure is mounting for the Biden administration to take immediate diplomatic steps to resolve the situation and bring the Binance executive home.

As the October 25 court hearing approaches, Gambaryan’s legal team has voiced concerns about whether he will be physically able to attend, underscoring the urgency of the situation.