Representative Rich McCormick introduced a resolution to the US Congress calling on lawmakers to consider a Binance executive who has been detained in Nigeria since February as a hostage.
On the 10th of July, a representative of the U.S. Congress called on the U.S. government to formally declare Gambaryan as a hostage and execute steps to secure his release. He also accused the Nigerian Government of illegally detaining the Binance executive based on “extortion”.
Does this sound familiar?
That’s because there was a similar petition by U.S. congressman French Hill to initiate the Binance Executive’s release. So what’s the difference?
U.S. Rep sets a deadline for Gambaryan’s release from “illegal detention.”
Taking over from Rep. Hill, Rep McCormick takes it even further by suggesting a deadline for Gambaryan’s release. In his written statement, he says, “[I]f Tigran’s case is not resolved by mid-July, he may remain in detention for an even longer undue period of time.”
With hopes of executing an extraction this time, Rep. McCormick pressures the U.S. government by attaching a possible deadline for action. In his statement, he highlights the concern for Gambaryan’s health, pointing out his poor living conditions as well as alleged ill-treatment from the Nigerian government.
As we know, Gambaryan, who was arrested in February 2024, still remains in Kuje Prison in Abuja despite his human rights lawsuit. Although his tax evasion charges no longer exist, the EFCC charges Binance with money laundering, causing his prolonged stay.
So what does this mean for international crypto trading?
Foreign Reactions on the Binance Case
The situation worsens as foreign alliances feel the strain from the Binance case. As of this morning, almost 5,000 people have signed the online petition launched by Gambaryan’s wife.
This reflects the public’s displeasure as major and minor associations express their disapproval of Gambaryan’s detention.
In her discussion with Cointelegraph, Yuki Gambaryan states, “In my eyes, it is evident any issues between Binance and the Nigerian authorities can and should be resolved without Tigran being caught in the middle“.
She remains actively in touch with Binance staff and the lawyers representing her husband, but not Nigerian government officials.
As more events unfold, dear reader, we can only trust that the U.S. and Federal governments can resolve this case with fairness and diplomacy.
For now, trade safe and stay connected for updates as it unfolds.
Till next time!
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