The wife of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has raised concerns about his rapidly worsening health, describing it as “shockingly bad.”
Gambaryan, who has been held since February, is reportedly “mostly bedridden” due to a herniated disc in his back that requires surgery. His condition has worsened to the point where it may cause permanent damage and affect his ability to walk. Additionally, he has suffered from throat infections, pneumonia, and requires surgery to remove his tonsils.
Gambaryan had been responsible for overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance. He was detained alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, upon their arrival in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on February 26. They were accused of Binance making illegal transaction profits in the country, with criminal charges filed against them two days later.
Anjarwalla later escaped custody on March 22, but Gambaryan remains imprisoned at Kuje prison, where his legal team has reportedly been barred from meeting with him.
Gambaryan’s wife claims that he is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed. Binance CEO Richard Teng has called on the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan, adding that he was in Nigeria as an expert in financial crime to contribute to policy discussions.
– Advertisement –
The situation involving Binance in Nigeria dates back two years, when the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued digital asset regulations requiring permits for crypto exchanges. Despite Binance’s efforts to comply, the exchange faced unclear requirements and non-responsiveness from the SEC. In June 2023, the SEC accused Binance of operating illegally, leading to the suspension of the solicitation of Nigerian investors.
U.S. lawmakers have also intervened, urging the Biden administration to treat Gambaryan’s case as a hostage situation. In June, 16 lawmakers, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, sent a letter to President Biden and other top officials, voicing concerns over Gambaryan’s lack of adequate healthcare in prison and fearing for his life.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of Nigeria initially brought the tax charges against Binance and the two executives. However, FIRS agreed to revise the charges, naming only the crypto exchange through its local representative as the defendant. Gambaryan will no longer need to appear in court for the FIRS case, making Binance the sole defendant.
A family spokesperson stated that Gambaryan’s health deteriorated, and he has been diagnosed with malaria and pneumonia while in custody. Despite a court order to take him to a hospital, prison authorities delayed the medical visit, worsening his condition.
