In a recent visit to Kuje Prison in Nigeria, US lawmakers Chrissy Houlahan and French Hill drew attention to the dire situation of detained American citizen Tigran Gambaryan. Despite the dismissal of tax evasion charges, Gambaryan remains in custody for alleged money laundering and is in poor health, having contracted malaria and double pneumonia.

The lawmakers are advocating for Gambaryan's immediate humanitarian release, citing the harsh prison conditions and his deteriorating health. Rep. Hill emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting Gambaryan's cooperation with Nigerian authorities and his background in combating financial crimes. The visit follows a joint letter from 18 US Congress members to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging intervention in the case.

Gambaryan, a former IRS Special Agent and compliance officer for Binance, was arrested despite his efforts to combat financial crimes. Although the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service dropped tax fraud charges, he remains in custody without bail due to concerns of flight risk. Former federal prosecutors and agents have joined the call for his release, adding to the diplomatic pressure on Nigeria.

The lawmakers' visit revealed the deplorable conditions in which Gambaryan is being held, raising concerns about the state of the prison and the treatment of inmates. Binance has maintained that Gambaryan was not a key decision-maker, but his role in compliance and investigation has made his detention a point of contention. The next trial session is set for July 9, 2024, and Gambaryan's wife, Yuki, has criticized the US government's response, urging more decisive action to secure her husband's release.

In conclusion, the situation of Tigran Gambaryan has sparked a diplomatic row between the US and Nigeria, with lawmakers and former officials calling for his humanitarian release. As his health continues to deteriorate, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for international cooperation in combating financial crimes and the treatment of detained citizens abroad.