Binance Exec Held in Nigeria Reportedly Suffering From Malaria

Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, jailed in Nigeria for nine weeks, is suffering from malaria and a throat infection, according to a recent DL News report.

It is unknown if Gambaryan, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family, contracted malaria during his time in Nigeria. He arrived in the tropical African nation on February 26 for talks with officials on Binance’s crypto operations. 

Last Thursday, Gambaryan collapsed in court on the second day of his trial in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on a money laundering charge. Following his collapse, Gambaryan was hospitalized. 

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has been vocal about his mistreatment by Nigerian authorities, describing his detention as "unjust." 

In his brief court appearance last week, Gambaryan appeared pale and stressed. He has been held at Kuje Prison in Abuja since April 8. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over his trial, denied bail on May 17, citing him as a flight risk.

While more than 240 million people worldwide suffer from malaria, those living outside the equatorial zone may be more vulnerable to the mosquito-borne disease. As per reports, they have not built up natural resistance. 

Health Risks and Vulnerabilities

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, has been detained in Nigeria for over two months. He was invited by the nation’s authorities to resolve a dispute with Binance. Instead, after a meeting with government officials, he and another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained. Anjarwalla later escaped but was included in the money laundering charges.

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, told CoinDesk she is devastated and shocked by the authorities' inaction despite a court order. 

"He [Tigran Gambaryan] has done nothing wrong and is suffering simply because he accepted an invitation to a meeting in Abuja,” she said. “This has gone too far. I am begging everyone who can help, including our own American government, to recognize that an innocent man’s life is at risk. Please, at least let him go to the hospital so he can recover. But more importantly, let him come home to us."

The hearings for the tax violation and money laundering charges are scheduled for June 14 and June 20, respectively.