The mother of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, is pleading with the US government to secure her son’s release. In an emotional interview with KMPH Fox 26 on September 18, 75-year-old Knarik Gambaryan highlighted her son’s deteriorating health, urging US officials to take swift action.
Tigran Gambaryan, formerly a special agent with the US Internal Revenue Service, was detained alongside his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla in Nigeria over charges of money laundering. While the Nigerian tax authority has since dropped tax evasion charges, the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is still pursuing the money laundering case.
A video surfaced on social media on September 3, showing Gambaryan in a frail condition, barely able to walk. His mother, a Fresno, California resident, claims her son has been “wrongfully detained” and stresses that he is “just a regular US citizen” deserving of government protection. She fears for his health, citing his battle with pneumonia, malaria, and a herniated disc that may require surgery.
Gambaryan’s case has drawn significant attention from US lawmakers. Representatives French Hill and Rich McCormick have advocated for his release, with McCormick comparing his situation to being held “hostage” in Nigeria.
Although Anjarwalla escaped custody in March, Gambaryan remains behind bars. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 9, where his legal team will push for bail or a possible release. However, it remains uncertain whether Gambaryan will be allowed to leave Nigeria, leaving his future—and health—in limbo.
With mounting pressure on US authorities, the Gambaryan family hopes the government will intervene before it’s too late.