Bitrabo Editorial
A Binance executive named Tigran Gambaryan is currently in critical condition while being held in a Nigerian prison. His health has been deteriorating rapidly since his arrest, causing great concern among his family and supporters. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, is alarmed by her husband’s worsening state and is calling for immediate medical intervention.
Yuki described Gambaryan as nearly bedridden and in need of specialized surgery for a herniated disk and tonsil removal due to recurring infections.
Health Crisis in Detention
Reports indicate that Gambaryan’s health has significantly worsened since his detention at the Kuje Correctional Facility in Nigeria. Initially unable to walk, he is now confined to a wheelchair. Yuki highlighted that her previously active and healthy husband is suffering from treatable conditions that have not been adequately addressed during his imprisonment.
She expressed concern that the untreated herniated disk has progressed to a critical stage that could cause permanent damage. In addition to battling pneumonia and malaria since May, Gambaryan’s family is increasingly worried about his health and is advocating for his humanitarian release.
Recently, Gambaryan appeared in court in a wheelchair, prompting the presiding judge to order an independent medical evaluation. However, no report was presented during the hearing. While the judge mandated Gambaryan to undergo medical tests at a hospital for 24 hours, it is unclear if this directive was followed. The Nigerian Correctional Service has not provided any updates on Gambaryan’s condition or treatment.
Legal Issues and Accusations
Gambaryan is facing serious allegations of money laundering alongside Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally. The Nigerian government asserts that he and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were involved in laundering over $35 million.
Both executives were apprehended earlier this year after meeting with Nigerian authorities to discuss regulatory concerns. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody, Gambaryan remains incarcerated and has been denied bail.
The case has garnered widespread attention, with even US Congress members urging the Biden Administration to secure Gambaryan’s release. His family maintains that the charges are baseless, especially considering his declining health.
Yuki Gambaryan remains optimistic that Nigerian authorities will recognize her husband’s critical condition and drop the unfounded charges against him.
Binance’s Reaction and Future Prospects
Binance has pledged to address the issues with the Nigerian government and suspended operations involving the Nigerian naira earlier this year following a crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges. Despite the serious allegations, Binance emphasizes that Gambaryan does not hold decision-making authority within the company and should not be implicated in ongoing legal proceedings.
With Gambaryan’s health deteriorating, there is growing concern among his family and associates about his future. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the human toll associated with Binance’s legal battles. The next court hearing in Gambaryan’s case is set for October 11, with many eagerly awaiting Nigerian authorities’ actions regarding his health and the charges against him.
Featured image from Techpoint Africa, chart from TradingView