3 months ago
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A Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, is in critical condition inside a Nigerian jail. His health has reportedly been on a downward spiral since he was arrested, raising serious concerns among his family and supporters. Tigran’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed fears over the deteriorating condition of her husband, saying that he needs quick medical intervention.
She described him as “almost bedridden” and said that he requires a special surgery for a herniated disk and tonsil removal over recurrent infections.
Health Crisis Behind Bars
Reports say Gambaryan is in a worse condition compared to when he was first detained at the Kuje Correctional Facility. He could not walk, and now bound by a wheelchair, ever since. Yuki insisted her husband—who used to be very active and healthy—suffers from some treatable condition that has yet to be adequately attended to during detention.
She noted that the herniated disk has now progressed to the point that it is going to do permanent damage. Apart from pneumonia, for which Gambaryan has been hospitalized, he has also been suffering from malaria since May. His family has started to raise health concerns with calls for his humanitarian release.
Recently, Gambaryan was brought to court in a wheelchair, at which the presiding judge ordered an independent medical evaluation, for which no report was produced for the hearing.
The judge ordered Gambaryan to be taken to a hospital for 24 hours for medical testing, but again, it is unknown whether this order has been followed through. The Nigerian Correctional Service did not respond to inquiries on Gambaryan’s condition and treatment.
Legal Troubles and Allegations
Gambaryan faces serious money laundering charges along with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency trading platform. The Nigerian government accuses him and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, of laundering more than $35 million.
Both executives were detained earlier this year following a meeting with Nigerian officials to discuss regulatory issues. While Anjarwalla was able to flee custody, Gambaryan remains in prison and has been denied bail.
The case has gained far-reaching attention from different sectors, including members of the US Congress, who petitioned the Biden Administration to ensure Gambaryan’s freedom. Gambaryan’s family continued to emphasize that these charges are utterly unfounded and a waste of time, more so considering his failing health.
Yuki Gambaryan is hopeful that the Nigerian authorities realize the critical nature of her husband’s situation and withdraw the charges leveled against him.
Binance Response And Future Outlook
Binance expressed its commitment to sorting out the mess created with the Nigerian government. The company suspended the operations involving the Nigerian naira at the beginning of this year after a crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges. Despite such serious allegations, Binance said Gambaryan is not a decision-maker in the company and shouldn’t be held in connection with the ongoing legal matters.
And as Gambaryan’s health keeps failing, his family and associates get more concerned about his future. Their pleas serve as a reminder of the human cost of the legal battles involved with Binance. The next hearing on his case is scheduled for October 11, and all eyes are on the Nigerian government to see if it does something about attending to his health and revisiting the charges against him.
Featured image from Techpoint Africa, chart from TradingView
