Anika Begay
Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is in critical condition in a Nigerian prison. His health has reportedly been in a downward spiral since his arrest, raising serious concerns among his family and supporters. Tigran’s wife Yuki Gambaryan has expressed fears over her husband’s deteriorating condition, saying he needs prompt medical attention.
She described him as “almost bedridden” and said he needed special surgery for a herniated disc and removal of his tonsils due to recurring infections.
Health crisis behind bars
Reports say Gambaryan is in worse condition than when he was first held at Kuje Correctional Facility. He was unable to walk, and has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. Yuki insisted that her husband, who was very active and healthy, suffers from a treatable condition that has yet to be properly treated while in detention.
He noted that the herniated disc has progressed to the point where it will cause permanent damage. In addition to pneumonia, for which Gambaryan was hospitalized, he has also been suffering from malaria since May. His family has begun to raise health concerns, calling for his humanitarian release.
Gambaryan was recently brought to court in a wheelchair; the presiding judge ordered an independent medical evaluation, for which no report was produced for the hearing.
The judge ordered that Gambaryan be taken to hospital for a 24-hour medical check, but again it is not known whether this order was carried out. The Nigerian Correctional Service did not respond to requests for information about Gambaryan’s condition and treatment.
Legal problems and accusations
Gambaryan faces serious money laundering charges with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency trading platform. The Nigerian government accuses him and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, of laundering more than $35 million.
Both executives were arrested earlier this year following a meeting with Nigerian officials to discuss regulatory issues. While Anjarwalla escaped custody, Gambaryan remains in prison and has been denied bail.
The case has received widespread attention from various quarters, including members of the U.S. Congress, who have petitioned the Biden administration to secure Gambaryan’s freedom. Gambaryan’s family has continued to stress that these allegations are completely baseless and a waste of time, especially given his poor health.
Yuki Gambaryan hopes that the Nigerian authorities will realize the critical nature of her husband’s situation and drop the charges against him.
Binance Response and Future Outlook
Binance has expressed its commitment to resolving the mess it has created with the Nigerian government. The company suspended operations involving the Nigerian naira earlier this year after a crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges. Despite the serious allegations, Binance said Gambaryan is not a decision maker at the company and should not be held in connection with the ongoing legal issues.
And as Gambaryan’s health continues to decline, his family and associates are increasingly concerned about his future. Their pleas serve as a reminder of the human cost of the legal battles involved with Binance. The next hearing in his case is scheduled for October 11, and all eyes are on the Nigerian government to see if it will do anything to care for his health and review the charges against him.
Featured image from Techpoint Africachart from TradingView
