Binance Executive’s Health Crisis in Nigerian Detention Sparks Concerns As Family Decries Worsening Condition

When you think of cryptocurrency executives, you probably picture them living in luxury, surrounded by state-of-the-art tech and endless streams of data. However, reality can sometimes be far grimmer. This is the case with Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently in Nigeria, who is reportedly “suffering immensely” while prison authorities withhold crucial medical records. 

Gambaryan’s been embroiled in a legal battle with Nigerian authorities since February 28 after being detained alongside his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional Africa head. While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody and flee the country, Gambaryan remained behind bars.

The situation has drawn international attention, and the plight of this cryptocurrency industry leader has become a focal point for advocates of justice and human rights.

The Detention and Health Struggles

Tigran Gambaryan, head of financial crime compliance at Binance, found himself behind bars in Nigeria earlier this year. His alleged involvement in a money laundering case led to his incarceration, but it is his deteriorating health that now commands headlines. Gambaryan’s family asserts that Nigerian prison authorities have failed to comply with court orders regarding his medical records, leaving him in a precarious state.

Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, paints a distressing picture. 

Her husband, she says, is “suffering immensely.” 

In an email statement to a source, she said, “Each day that Tigran remains detained becomes increasingly difficult for our family, especially for him. He is suffering immensely under the strain of this injustice.”

The health issues plaguing him include double pneumonia and malaria. These conditions, exacerbated by the harsh prison environment, have taken a toll on his well-being. The denial of bail further complicates matters, as Gambaryan remains hospitalized in Abuja, Nigeria, after fainting in court.

Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, has since ordered the prison to provide Gambaryan’s lawyers with the records by July 5.

International Concerns

The situation has not gone unnoticed. U.S. lawmakers recently visited Kuje Prison, where Gambaryan is held, and expressed alarm over his health, per Coinfomania’s report. Their call for transparency and adherence to human rights principles underscores the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has refuted claims of poor prison conditions and worsening health, but the evidence speaks otherwise.

Moreover, Binance has not remained silent on the issue. The company has expressed concern and is reportedly doing everything possible to assist Gambaryan. In a May blog post, Binance CEO Richard Teng stated that Gambaryan “is innocent and must be released” and that his detention “has set a dangerous new precedent for all companies worldwide.”

As the international community watches, Yuki Gambaryan implores Nigerian authorities to “do the right thing” and release her innocent husband. The urgency of her plea reverberates across borders, emphasizing the need for compassion and justice. The crypto industry, often characterized by rapid innovation and global reach, now grapples with a human crisis that transcends digital currencies and regulatory debates.