The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims concerning the deteriorating health of Binance Exec. Tigran Gambaryan, held on money laundering charges.
Distress and Deterioration in Court
On Monday, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been in Nigerian custody for six months, appeared in an Abuja courtroom in a visibly distressed state. Gambaryan, who has been battling a herniated disc and other health issues, was forced to enter the courtroom on crutches, after being denied the use of a wheelchair. According to his family, Gambaryan’s health has been rapidly declining, with the former IRS Special Agent now struggling to walk and suffering from pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis. A video circulating on social media captured Gambaryan's distress. In the footage, the Binance executive is seen pleading for assistance while being escorted into the courtroom by a prison guard. "I’m not okay, this is f*cked up," Gambaryan is heard saying, expressing frustration at being denied adequate support.
Legal Battle Over Bail
Following Monday’s court appearance, Gambaryan's legal team filed a new application for bail, arguing that his deteriorating health necessitates immediate medical attention. They cited the prison conditions at Kuje prison as a significant factor in his declining health and noted that these conditions have also hindered his ability to prepare for trial. However, the EFCC countered these claims, with lead counsel Ekene Iheanacho informing the court that Gambaryan's health issues were being exaggerated. Iheanacho argued that the executive’s condition was not as critical as presented. The Nigerian authorities have asserted that Gambaryan have access to quality medical care whenever required, along with consular services from the United States. However, the actions observed in court and the withheld medical records tell a different story.
Medical Concerns and Missing Records
Meanwhile, Gambaryan’s family and legal team have raised concerns over the adequacy of the medical care provided to him while in custody. According to a family spokesperson, key elements of Gambaryan’s medical records, including an MRI scan, were withheld from the court during the bail hearing. The available records reportedly indicate a need for immediate surgery, yet the prison authorities have refused to acknowledge the severity of his condition. Gambaryan's wife, Yuki, issued a statement condemning the Nigerian government's actions. She revealed that her husband had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses and has since been unlawfully detained. *"My husband was unlawfully detained by the Nigerian government after being invited under false pretenses for a meeting in their country. During this prolonged imprisonment, his health continues to deteriorate, and now, he is in so much pain that he can barely walk. The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran,” Yuki Gambaryan said.*
Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's Head of Financial Compliance and a former U.S. IRS Special Agent, was detained in February 2024 along with Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, Nadeem Anjarwalla, on money laundering and tax violation charges amounting to $35 million. Although the tax charges were dropped in June, the money laundering charges remain, with Binance now the sole defendant in the case. Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, leaving Gambaryan to face the charges alone. Throughout his detention, Gambaryan’s family and legal team have consistently argued that his rights have been violated, citing inadequate medical care and restricted access to legal counsel and U.S. consular services.
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