Concern Over Binance Executive Imprisoned in Nigeria
The health concerns for the Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, are escalating as he remains detained in Nigeria, his family revealed to CoinDesk recently. A statement from the family indicated that Gambaryan, who oversees financial crime compliance at Binance, is being “prevented from obtaining proper legal counsel,” and his health condition is rapidly declining.
Currently held at the Kuje prison located west of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Gambaryan was last seen in a wheelchair during a court hearing last month due to a herniated disc in his back that demands highly complex and hazardous surgery. The situation is exacerbated by his suffering from repeated throat infections and bouts of pneumonia, leading to another surgery requirement to remove his tonsils. He is extremely bedbound now and must take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
The situation of Gambaryan is raising alarms, with his health having markedly worsened since the onset of his detainment on money laundering charges linked to his time at Binance. The legitimacy of the arrest has been called into question.
U.S. Representatives Advocate for Tigran Gambaryan’s Freedom
Earlier this year, Representative French Hill and Representative Chrissy Houlahan visited Gambaryan at Kuje Prison where they found him enduring from “malaria and double pneumonia,” and significant weight loss. In response, his situation was tweeted by Hill and Houlahan, expressing their deep concern for Gambaryan’s wellbeing.
Houlahan voiced her distress over Gambaryan’s evident stress and inadequate health. She added, “Global citizens deserve the U.S.’s support when they are in need.”
Hill emphasized that Gambaryan should be given an immediate humanitarian release, have the remaining charges dismissed, and be allowed to return to the U.S.
The next court hearing slated for Gambaryan is not until October 11, due to a judicial holiday. In the meantime, his lawyers have requested the hearing be conducted over the recess period. Moreover, a court decision mandated the release of Gambaryan’s medical records, but his family stated that the prison still withholds them without a proper warrant.
Initially arrested in February with another Binance employee, Nadeem Anjarwalla, in Nigeria for tax evasion and money laundering charges. The latter of these charges was later dismissed. Anjarwalla later managed to flee custody and still remains missing.
Significant uncertainty remains over whether United States President Joe Biden will assume an active role in assisting Gambaryan’s release as his health is at severe risk.
Hot Take on Tigran Gambaryan’s Plight
The deteriorating health and legal challenges facing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria have sparked global concern, especially among the cryptocurrency community. American lawmakers have taken significant steps to advocate for his release, reflecting the high-profile status of Gambaryan in the industry and the principle of offering support to citizens abroad in distress. His case continues to unfold, revealing a complex web of financial crime accusations and health concerns that consume the narrative of his arrest. Denied access to proper legal defense and facing crucial surgeries, Gambaryan’s ordeal is a real-time drama that encapsulates the intersection of international law, human rights, and multinational business operations in emerging markets. His need for immediate attention from both the Nigerian and American governments highlights both the physical risks and potential diplomatic implications if a resolution is not found promptly.
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