Binance Executive Faces Severe Health Crisis in Nigerian Detention

Tigran Gambaryan's declining health has led to urgent pleas for his release as his money laundering trial nears.

Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) special agent and current executive at Binance, finds himself in a dire situation as he remains detained in Nigeria on money laundering charges. Gambaryan, who has been held since February 2024, is now facing serious health issues that have prompted urgent appeals for his release.

Gambaryan's wife, Yuki Gambaryan, recently spoke out about her husband's deteriorating condition. According to Yuki, Tigran can no longer walk due to a severe herniated disc in his back, which has left him bedridden and in excruciating pain. She also noted that he is at risk of developing blood clots and has been denied appropriate medical care for conditions such as malaria and double pneumonia, which he contracted while in custody.

The trial against Gambaryan, which began in June, is set to resume on September 2, following a suspension in July due to the Nigerian judiciary's vacation period. Initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering, Gambaryan now faces prosecution solely on the latter charge, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Adding to the challenges, Gambaryan’s legal team has reported significant difficulties in preparing for the trial. According to the family, his lawyers were denied access to him for nearly three weeks, and even after a brief visit on August 15, access was restricted once again. This lack of access not only hampers their ability to prepare a defense but also violates Nigerian constitutional rights, according to Gambaryan's legal representatives.

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has reportedly lost contact with Gambaryan due to his inability to walk and the denial of a wheelchair, further isolating him from potential consular support.

This detention has taken a heavy toll on Gambaryan’s family life as well. He has missed several important family milestones, including his son’s 5th birthday and first day of school, his own 40th birthday, and is likely to miss his wife's upcoming birthday and their 15th wedding anniversary.

Gambaryan’s detention is part of a larger legal action against Binance in Nigeria. The cryptocurrency exchange is facing allegations of money laundering involving over $35 million. Nigerian authorities have accused Binance of contributing to the devaluation of the naira by facilitating cryptocurrency trades amid a chronic shortage of U.S. dollars.

As the September 2 court date approaches, Yuki Gambaryan continues to make emotional pleas for her husband’s release on health grounds. The family is urging both the Nigerian and U.S. governments to intervene, highlighting the urgency of the situation given Gambaryan’s worsening physical condition.

photo source / Blockonome