The case of American citizen Tigran Gambaryan held at Kuje Prison in Nigeria has sparked strong emotion among American lawmakers. Indeed, Representatives Hill and Houlahan visited Mr. Gambaryan on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 and shared a video on social media calling for his release.
The situation in which Tigran Gambaryan finds himself is worrying, with serious health problems such as malaria and double pneumonia. In addition, he reportedly lost a lot of weight and did not receive adequate medical care. The tax fraud charges initially brought against him were dropped, but he remains detained on money laundering charges, which is hotly contested by his supporters.
Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS special agent specializing in combating money laundering and tax evasion, is renowned for his integrity and professionalism. Its crucial role in cooperating with Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes is widely recognized. Calls for his release are growing, both from American lawmakers and from his family and colleagues.
Amid these calls, the matter took a new turn with the continuation of the trial of Tigran Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for money laundering. Despite the withdrawal of the tax fraud charges, the trial continues, leaving uncertainty over its fate.
At the same time, Tigran’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, publicly pleaded for clemency for her husband, calling on Nigerian authorities to drop the charges against him. She insists on her husband’s innocence and on the fact that the tax fraud charges have been withdrawn, which should lead to his immediate release.
This case raises questions about respect for human rights and justice in handling money laundering cases, as well as international cooperation on financial crimes. Tigran Gambaryan deserves fair treatment and immediate release to return home to America, where he can regain the freedom he deserves.