Binance Exec Health Deteriorates in Nigeria Prison: Report

Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, remains in poor health over a month after Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to transfer him to a medical facility, as per recent reports. 

According to DL News, Gambaryan, battling coughing fits and exhaustion, appeared gaunt during recent court proceedings. He struggled to stand, often supporting himself on the dock. 

His family spokesperson reported:

"Tigran’s health continues to deteriorate in detention. He has complained of numbness in his foot and back pain. He has had double pneumonia and malaria while in prison."

Worth noting, last May, Gambaryan collapsed in court due to his worsening health. He appeared gaunt and stressed at that time as well. 

Last June, two US lawmakers expressed concern about the horrible prison conditions and lack of medical care facing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.

However, Nigeria's government refuted claims of mistreatment. The Ministry of Information and National Orientation stated:

"Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has access to consular services from his government."

Court Proceedings and Delays

Following the cross-examination of a Securities and Exchange Commission witness, Nigeria's money laundering trial against Binance and its executives has been rescheduled for July 5. 

Despite repeated court orders, the prison holding Gambaryan has not produced medical documents from his hospital visit a month ago. This lack of compliance raises concerns about the treatment and rights of detainees.

Gambaryan's family and legal team continue to push for his release, arguing that his health issues have been made worse by inadequate medical care. They assert that Nigerian authorities must comply with court orders and provide necessary medical records and care.

His wife emphasized:

"Tigran has never been a decision-maker at Binance. There is no justification for his continued detention. It is time for the Nigerian authorities to do the right thing and release my innocent husband."

Backstory

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial crime compliance, was arrested in Nigeria earlier this year. He was imprisoned in connection with money laundering allegations, but his deteriorating health now dominates headlines. 

Gambaryan’s colleague, British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla, the cryptocurrency giant's regional manager for Africa, escaped after weeks of being held in Nigeria. Nonetheless, he has been found in Kenya and is facing extradition