A group of 108 former federal prosecutors and agents have signed a public letter urging the U.S. State Department to step up its efforts to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, head of compliance at Binance, from a Nigerian prison. Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, was arrested in February on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. The signers of the letter, including investor and Coinbase board member Katie Haun, criticized the government’s minimal efforts to intervene on Gambaryan’s behalf, calling for immediate action to prevent dire consequences.
Despite Gambaryan pleading not guilty to all charges, his bail hearings and court proceedings have been repeatedly delayed. During a court hearing last month, Gambaryan collapsed and is suspected of having malaria and a severe throat infection. Nigerian officials have refused to transfer him from the prison, which is known to hold violent criminals and terrorists. The signers of the letter described Gambaryan’s captivity as unjust and inhumane, emphasizing that he has not received adequate medical care or been allowed to communicate with his lawyers or family.
The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken implores the U.S. government to leverage its diplomatic power to secure Gambaryan’s immediate release. It highlights the urgency of the situation and emphasizes the need for swift action to ensure his safety and well-being. In addition to the letter from former prosecutors and agents, 16 members of Congress have also written to President Joe Biden, Secretary Blinken, and diplomat Roger Carstens, urging them to treat Gambaryan’s case as a hostage situation.
The Congress members expressed deep concern about Gambaryan’s detainment and emphasized the importance of transferring his case to Carstens’ office for urgent intervention. They fear for Gambaryan’s life and stress the necessity of immediate action to prevent any further harm. The letters from both former prosecutors and members of Congress underscore the seriousness of Gambaryan’s situation and call for a coordinated effort to ensure his release and safety.
The case of Tigran Gambaryan has garnered significant attention from both former federal prosecutors and members of Congress, highlighting the widespread concern for his well-being and the urgency of securing his release from the Nigerian prison. The letters urge the U.S. government to take decisive action and utilize its diplomatic power to address the injustice and inhumanity of Gambaryan’s captivity. With mounting pressure from multiple sources, there is hope for a resolution to this troubling situation and for Gambaryan to be reunited with his family and return to the country he has served honorably.
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