Binance Money Laundering Trial in Nigeria Pushed to June 20 Due to Executive’s Illness

As a researcher and having read the given text, I am deeply concerned about the situation Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s compliance head, finds himself in. The repeated postponement of his trial due to his serious illness is alarming. It’s disheartening to learn that he has been detained since February and was moved to Kuje prison, a notorious facility known for its harsh conditions.

A Nigerian court postponed the money laundering hearing involving Binance and two of its top officials until June 20 due to illness of one of the executives, according to their family representative who shared this information with CoinDesk.

Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen who serves as Binance’s head of financial crimes compliance, faces charges for tax evasion and money laundering, alongside his employer. However, Gambaryan’s legal team has requested leniency from Judge Emeka Nwite due to his poor health, stating in a letter that he urgently requires extensive medical care. (Source: Reuters)

Following Gambaryan’s collapse on Thursday, the healthcare facility administered intravenous medication to treat him for malaria, according to his legal representative’s correspondence.

Last week, as Gambaryan marked his 40th birthday in prison, Nigerian authorities transferred him to Kuje Prison. This facility is known for holding members of the Boko Haram terrorist organization. Gambaryan had been arrested in February, and during this time, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, was also detained. Anjarwalla managed to escape but remains implicated in the money laundering allegations against them both.

Yesterday, despite clear indications of grave illness, my husband was compelled to attend court. Unfortunately, he collapsed thereafter. Yuki Gambaryan’s statement, obtained by CoinDesk, conveys her concerns regarding her husband’s ordeal in the infamous Kuje prison. His robust health notwithstanding, the grim circumstances of this facility have the potential to overwhelm anyone.

The spokesperson announced that Gambaryan was scheduled to attend his arraignment on tax evasion allegations on Wednesday. However, this hearing was subsequently rescheduled to June 14. Despite this change, Gambaryan failed to show up for the initially planned session, according to Reuters.

Last week, the executive was also denied bail on the grounds that he might try to escape.

Once more, I implore for his immediate freedom, pleaded Gambaryan’s wife. The prolonged harsh treatment inflicted upon Tigran, intended to affect his workplace, has grown tiresome. My husband is unwell; he requires assistance. Kindly exhibit compassion and grant him this mercy.