Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan Spends 200 Days in Nigerian Detention, Family Laments

The family of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, has expressed deep concern as today marks 200 days since his detention by Nigerian authorities. 

Gambaryan, who serves as the head of financial crimes compliance at Binance, has been held since February under conditions described by his wife, Yuki, as “both disgraceful and urgent.” 

She emphasized that her husband, an innocent American citizen, was unlawfully detained after traveling to Nigeria for a meeting initiated by the Nigerian government.

Yuki’s statement highlighted the urgency of the situation, pleading for intervention from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “I beg President Tinubu to do the right thing and order Tigran’s immediate and unconditional release,” she urged, reflecting the family’s desperation and the dire circumstances surrounding Gambaryan’s health.

Allegations and Charges

Tigran Gambaryan’s detention stems from allegations of financial misconduct. 

He, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, has been charged with laundering over $35 million and engaging in financial activities without a license. 

The Nigerian government has blamed Binance for exacerbating the country’s economic woes, particularly as the naira has struggled against the dollar amid chronic shortages.

The situation escalated when Gambaryan was reportedly forced to surrender his passport upon arrival in Nigeria. 

Since then, he has faced increasingly harsh conditions in detention, leading to significant health issues.

Deteriorating Health Conditions

According to family reports, Tigran’s health has severely declined during his time in custody. 

He is reportedly unable to walk due to pain from an untreated herniated disc and spinal injury. 

Medical professionals have informed his family that his muscles have atrophied, necessitating blood thinners to prevent clots due to his bedridden state. 

Despite these alarming health concerns, the prison has allegedly refused to provide Gambaryan with a wheelchair, although he has been seen in court using one. 

A recent video of him in court has sparked outrage online, showcasing him struggling to walk with crutches while expressing his distress, stating, “This is fucked up” and “I’m an innocent person.”

Public Outcry and Support

The treatment of Tigran Gambaryan has drawn significant attention and condemnation from various quarters. 

Richard Teng, the CEO of Binance, took to social media to decry the inhumane treatment of his colleague, stating, “This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family.”

The public outcry reflects a growing concern over the treatment of detainees in Nigeria, particularly those involved in high-profile cases. 

Tigran’s case has garnered international attention, raising questions about the legal processes and human rights within the Nigerian judicial system.

Read Next: Lawmakers Advocate for Prompt Release of Detained Binance Executive

Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook

The legal proceedings surrounding Tigran Gambaryan have been complex and fraught with delays. 

A Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed tax evasion charges against him and Anjarwalla, following an amended application from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). 

However, a bail application for Gambaryan remains pending, with the court set to reconvene on October 9 to rule on medical grounds.

During the recent hearing, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, argued for urgent medical intervention, citing a medical report that recommended immediate lumbar surgery. 

He criticized the Nigerian Correctional Service for their negligence in handling Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, stating, “We are treating him like he is a container of goods. It is of no use to anybody, neither them nor us if he dies.”

In contrast, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) contested the claims about Gambaryan’s health, asserting that his medical conditions were manageable within the correctional facility.

As the family marks this unfortunate milestone of 200 days in detention, they continue to advocate for Tigran Gambaryan’s release, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes his health and well-being. 

The prolonged detention has not only taken a toll on his physical condition but has also resulted in missed family milestones, including his son’s 5th birthday and his own 40th birthday, underscoring the personal impact of this ongoing ordeal.

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