The need for me to rescue 36 individuals during the collapse of Hamid Karzai International Airport stemmed from insufficient planning and a lack of action by government officials. This experience underscored the importance of timely and effective responses in crises. In reflecting on that operation and its aftermath, I find a troubling parallel in the situation with Tigran Gambaryan. The lack of a robust response from Washington, D.C., regarding his unlawful detention contrasts sharply with his significant contributions to combating illicit activities. This discrepancy highlights a need for a more proactive approach from our government.
Gambaryan, once an IRS Investigator and now an executive at Binance, has been instrumental in the fight against dark net markets. His pioneering work, vividly chronicled in Tracers in the Dark by Andy Greenberg, has been critical in unraveling complex financial crimes and tracking down the criminals behind them. However, his efforts have been overshadowed by a shocking turn of events: Gambaryan's recent kidnapping by the Nigerian government.
This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by those confronting criminal enterprises but also underscores a troubling pattern of governmental inaction. Despite the clear significance of Gambaryan's work and the implications of his abduction, the response from U.S. authorities has been notably underwhelming. This inaction is not an isolated case but rather part of a recurring theme in our approach to international crises and justice.
The implications of Gambaryan's kidnapping extend far beyond his individual circumstances. They reflect a broader issue of governmental failure to address actions that undermine global security and justice. Similarly, the lack of action regarding American hostages held in Gaza and Russia exposes a disheartening pattern of inadequate response to critical situations. Washington’s silence on these matters sends a troubling message about our priorities and effectiveness in addressing international challenges. The consistent theme of inaction not only jeopardizes the safety of individuals like Gambaryan and the hostages abroad but also undermines our global standing and commitment to human rights.
It is time for a concerted effort to address these failures and ensure that critical issues receive the attention they deserve. We must demand that our leaders prioritize these matters and take decisive action. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and accountability, addressing not just individual cases but also the systemic issues that allow such inaction to persist.
The situation calls for immediate and decisive action. We must rally to support Gambaryan and other Americans held abroad, demanding that our leaders tackle these critical issues with the urgency they require. By doing so, we stand up for justice and reinforce our dedication to effective and responsible governance on the global stage.
Thomas R. Alber is a Kansas Racing & Gaming Agent specializing in Human Trafficking, Money Laundering & Crypto Crimes, Retired Chief of Police, Past President FBI-LEEDA, Former U.S. Marine & Retired U.S. Army Special Operations Officer.
