Binance Exec Detained in Nigeria Cries Out Over Deteriorating Health Amid Legal Battle

The ongoing detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria has raised significant concerns about human rights and the rule of law. Gambaryan, who has been held in the notorious Kuje prison since March, appeared in an Abuja courtroom on Monday in visibly poor health. His condition has prompted urgent calls for his release on medical grounds as his legal battle with Nigerian authorities continues to intensify.

A Troubling Appearance in Court

Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance exec detained in Nigeria, made a dramatic entrance into the courtroom this week, limping severely as he dragged his left leg behind him. Video footage uploaded to X (formerly Twitter) captured the distressing moment, showing Gambaryan pleading with a prison guard for assistance in walking. The guard, however, refused to help, citing orders to withhold any aid, leaving Gambaryan to struggle with only a single crutch.

“I’m not okay, this is f*cked up,” Gambaryan exclaimed in the video, expressing his frustration and pain. He turned to a small crowd of onlookers, stating, “He was told not to help me. He said there’s instruction – this is f*cked up. Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I’m a f*cking innocent person. Why are you doing this to me?”

Gambaryan’s lawyers quickly filed a new application for bail on medical grounds, highlighting his deteriorating health. According to a spokesperson for Gambaryan’s family, the Binance exec detained in Nigeria is suffering from several serious conditions, including malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and complications from a herniated disc in his back. The latter has left him in severe pain and nearly unable to walk.

Legal Battle and Health Crisis

The prosecutor for Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the entity prosecuting Gambaryan for money laundering, opposed the bail application. The prosecutor claimed that Gambaryan was not in ill health and accused him of refusing treatment. This stance has been met with skepticism, especially given the visible deterioration of Gambaryan’s condition since his detention began.

Despite repeated requests, the authorities at Kuje prison have refused to release Gambaryan’s full medical records. However, during Monday’s bail hearing, some of his records were presented to the court. According to a family spokesperson, the records confirm the need for immediate surgery, although critical elements, such as an MRI scan, were conspicuously missing.

The situation for the Binance exec detained in Nigeria is further complicated by reports that Gambaryan has been denied proper access to his lawyers and U.S. embassy staff. This has sparked outrage among his family and human rights advocates, who argue that his treatment violates basic human rights and international law.

Family and Legal Team Demand Action

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has been vocal in her condemnation of the Nigerian authorities and the lack of response from the U.S. government. “This situation is entirely unjust,” she said in a statement. “The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran. I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage…This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”

The family’s legal team has also been pressing for action, arguing that Gambaryan’s continued detention is not only unjust but also dangerous to his health. They have emphasized that the charges against him are unfounded and appear to be an attempt by Nigerian officials to scapegoat him for broader economic issues, including the devaluation of the naira, which they have baselessly linked to Binance’s operations.

The Broader Implications for Binance and the Crypto Industry

The case of the Binance exec detained in Nigeria has broader implications for the cryptocurrency industry, particularly in regions where regulatory frameworks are still developing. Gambaryan, a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained shortly after voluntarily traveling to Abuja at the invitation of the Nigerian government. Initially placed under house arrest, his situation took a dire turn in March when his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a regional manager for Binance in Africa, mysteriously escaped custody. Following this, Gambaryan was transferred to Kuje prison and charged with money laundering and tax evasion. The latter charge has since been dropped, but the money laundering trial continues, with Gambaryan pleading not guilty.

The detainment of a high-profile executive from one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges has sent shockwaves through the crypto community. It raises questions about the safety and legal risks that professionals in the industry may face, especially in jurisdictions with less established legal protections.

International Response and Pressure

So far, the U.S. government’s response to the situation has been muted. While the State Department acknowledged being “aware of reports” of Gambaryan’s detention back in March, it has refrained from making any public statements specifically addressing his case. This lack of action has drawn criticism from both Gambaryan’s family and international observers, who argue that more should be done to secure his release and ensure he receives necessary medical treatment.

Human rights organizations and legal experts are also beginning to weigh in, urging the U.S. and other international bodies to apply diplomatic pressure on Nigeria. The deteriorating health of the Binance exec detained in Nigeria, combined with the allegations of mistreatment, makes this an urgent matter that could have long-lasting implications for Nigeria’s international relations and its reputation in the global business community.

A Cry for Justice

The case of Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance exec detained in Nigeria, is a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals working in the cryptocurrency industry. As his health continues to decline and his legal battles drag on, the calls for his release are growing louder. Whether the Nigerian government will heed these calls remains to be seen, but the situation has already cast a long shadow over the country’s handling of international business and justice.

The world is watching, and the outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Gambaryan and his family, but for the broader crypto industry and international law.

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