Detained Binance Exec Tigran Gambaryan Wheeled into Nigerian Court as Health Deteriorates

Gambaryan’s health has been declining since his arrest in Nigeria in February. Initially, he was put under house confinement but was subsequently moved to Kuje Prison, a notoriously risky facility known to house violent criminals, including members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, following the escape of his fellow detainee and British-Kenyan citizen, Nadeem Anjarwalla.

As a crypto investor following the latest developments in the industry, I’ve come across the intriguing case of Artur Gambaryan. He was once an Internal Revenue Service agent and currently holds a significant role as Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance. In February, he willingly visited Nigeria to discuss matters with government officials. However, things took an unexpected turn when he was arrested without prior notice or explanation. Subsequently, charges of money laundering and tax evasion were brought against him. Nigerian authorities have accused Binance of manipulating the naira’s value, making Gambaryan a convenient scapegoat in their eyes. The tax evasion allegations against Gambaryan were later dismissed. He has firmly pleaded not guilty to all accusations.

After being moved to Kuje prison for his money laundering case, there have been reports that Gambaryan has fallen ill with malaria and double pneumonia. He has also experienced numbness in one foot and passed out during court proceedings at least once. The judge presiding over the trial has demanded access to Gambaryan’s medical records from the prison officials, but they have yet to oblige.

In a conversation with CoinDesk, Yuki, Gambaryan’s spouse, expressed her deep sadness upon witnessing her previously robust and healthy husband in such a deteriorated state.

As a concerned crypto investor and spouse, I can’t help but express my deep frustration over this ongoing ordeal. My husband, Tigran, has been unjustly detained in Nigeria, leaving him in excruciating pain and barely able to move. I fail to comprehend why he is being subjected to such treatment. He was only there for a scheduled business meeting, an act of duty and responsibility.

The Biden Administration has come under fire for seemingly doing little to aid Gambaryan.

Last month, Representatives French Hill of Arkansas and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania made a prison visit to Gambaryan. They expressed concern over Gambaryan’s plight due to his reportedly poor living conditions, his declared innocence, and his deteriorating health. The U.S. embassy was urged by the congressional duo to intervene on his behalf for a compassionate release.

Hill was among the twelve congressional members who wrote a letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens, requesting that they regard Gambaryan’s case as a hostage situation.

The State Department representative acknowledged to CoinDesk in the past few months that they had received information about Gambaryan’s arrest. Subsequently, a representative from the White House redirected CoinDesk to contact the State Department regarding this matter.

If no action is taken, Gambaryan is expected to remain imprisoned at Kuje until the autumn due to the postponement of his money laundering trial until October. The Nigerian judicial system will be on recess during the summer months.