EFCC Opposes Bail as Detained Binance Exec Seeks Medical Care in Nigerian Money Laundering Trial

The trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan continued in Abuja on September 2, with Nigerian prosecutors arguing against his request for bail and minimizing his health issues. Lawyers for Nigeria’s EFCC argued that Gambaryan was not in poor health, even though the government regulator’s counsel submitted health records to the court showing he needed surgery.

EFCC Counters Executive’s Bail

The trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria, resumed on September 2, 2024. His lawyers submitted a new bail request due to his worsening health.

However, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) quickly countered this motion, claiming Gambaryan was not as ill as stated, even though his health records, presented by a government regulator, showed he needed surgery.

Also read: Binance Executive Detained in Nigeria Faces Health Crisis, Legal Delay

Family representatives mentioned that these health records, which had not been provided to the court for months, were missing important medical information, such as MRI scans.

Family spokespeople also said that Gambaryan’s lawyers have either been barred from the prison or unable to see him due to his declining health.

According to a family statement, the Binance executive entered the court in a distressed state, using crutches after being denied access to a wheelchair. Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of Tigran Gambaryan, voiced significant worry about Nigerian authorities downplaying her husband’s health issues.

She said, “The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery. They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”

The next session of the trial is scheduled for September 4, 2024, where the judge will further hear on the bail motion.

Binance CEO Calls for U.S. Intervention

Nigerian authorities have detained Gambaryan for over six months since he arrived in the country in February. Gambaryan, a former IRS agent, and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were arrested on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. After Anjarwalla managed to escape, Nigerian officials tightened restrictions on Gambaryan, who is now dealing with health issues like pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis, and also requires surgery.

Binance CEO Richard Teng has urged U.S. authorities to intervene diplomatically with Nigeria to help secure Gambaryan’s release. Teng highlighted that Gambaryan does not hold a decision-making role at Binance and should not be targeted for allegations against the company.

Pro-crypto policymaker Representative French Hill has also urged the White House to step in regarding Gambaryan’s case. After visiting the detained executive with fellow legislator Chrissy Houlahan in June, Rep. Hill identified the situation as a political conflict in Nigeria and called for Gambaryan’s release.

As demands for Gambaryan’s release grow, Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick has introduced a resolution urging his colleagues to treat the detention of Gambaryan—an American citizen—as a hostage situation.