Congressman French Hill has invited Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan as his guest to the upcoming State of the Union address. Gambaryan’s attendance highlights his eight-month ordeal in a Nigerian prison and the efforts made by U.S. lawmakers to secure his release.
Gambaryan’s Detention and Legal Battle
Gambaryan, a former IRS criminal investigator and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained in Nigeria in February 2024 during meetings with government officials. He was charged with tax evasion and money laundering, but these charges were later dismissed.
During his detention in Kuje prison, he suffered from a herniated disc and malaria, leading to growing concerns about his health and well-being. His arrest sparked international calls for his release, with U.S. lawmakers and government officials pressuring Nigerian authorities to free him.
Congressional Advocacy for His Release
Hill, along with Representative Rich McCormick, played a pivotal role in securing Gambaryan’s freedom. In July 2024, the two lawmakers introduced a resolution urging his release, citing his deteriorating health and the unjust nature of his detention.
Hill even visited Gambaryan in prison, later describing his worsening health condition. The diplomatic efforts ultimately led to a Nigerian court dismissing the charges in October 2024, allowing Gambaryan to return to the U.S.
Gambaryan Expresses Gratitude
Following the invitation, Gambaryan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his appreciation for Hill’s support.
“I am honored to be Congressman Hill’s guest at the State of the Union address. If not for Congressman Hill, Congressman McCormick, and the hardworking men and women at the DOJ and State Department, I would still be held hostage in Nigeria. I owe them my life.”
Symbolic Significance of the Invitation
Gambaryan’s presence at the State of the Union highlights the risks faced by executives in global finance and cryptocurrency. His detention raised concerns about legal and regulatory challenges in the industry, especially as Binance continues to face scrutiny worldwide.
Hill’s invitation underscores the role of U.S. lawmakers in advocating for American citizens detained abroad and signals the importance of diplomatic and legal protections for individuals working in international finance.
As Gambaryan attends the State of the Union, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding global regulatory enforcement and financial crime compliance. His release and subsequent recognition by lawmakers reinforce the need for clearer legal frameworks and stronger protections for American executives operating internationally.
