Why Are You Doing This to Me? Detained Binance Executive Struggles in Nigerian Court as Health Deteriorates

TLDR:

• Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan appeared in Nigerian court on crutches, denied wheelchair access
• Gambaryan pleaded for help, claimed innocence, and expressed distress over treatment
• New bail application filed on medical grounds, opposed by prosecutors
• Gambaryan reportedly suffering from multiple health issues in prison
• Trial resumed September 2, next hearing set for September 4

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of crime compliance, appeared in an Abuja courtroom on September 2, 2024, visibly struggling to walk and in apparent distress. Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February, was denied the use of a wheelchair and entered the court on crutches, dragging his left leg.

In a video that surfaced online, Gambaryan can be heard pleading with a prison guard for assistance. “I’m not okay, this is fcked up,” he said, gripping the guard’s wrist for support. When the guard stepped away, Gambaryan addressed onlookers, saying, “This is a show. I’m a fcking innocent person. Why are you doing this to me?”

This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family. https://t.co/HsQNoyE0cS

— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) September 3, 2024

Gambaryan’s lawyers filed a new application for bail on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health conditions.

According to a family spokesperson, Gambaryan has developed several illnesses while in prison, including malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and complications from a herniated disc in his back. These conditions have reportedly left him in severe pain and barely able to walk.

Prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the bail application, arguing that Gambaryan was not in ill health and claiming he was refusing treatment. However, medical records provided to the court reportedly indicate a need for immediate surgery.

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, released a statement calling the situation “entirely unjust” and urging the U.S. government to intervene. “The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran. I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage,” she said.

The Binance executive has been held in Kuje prison since March, after initially being placed under house arrest along with colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla. Gambaryan was charged with money laundering after Anjarwalla escaped under mysterious circumstances. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Binance CEO Richard Teng responded to the video of Gambaryan in court, calling for an end to the “inhumane treatment” and demanding that Gambaryan be allowed to return home for medical treatment.

The trial, which was brought forward from its original October date, resumed on September 2. The judge ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair and will continue to hear the bail application when the trial resumes on September 4.

Gambaryan’s detention stems from accusations against Binance of making profits from illegal transactions in Nigeria. Criminal charges were initially filed against Binance and two executives in February, including allegations of a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment. While tax charges against the executives were later dropped, the money laundering charges remain.

The Nigerian government has previously denied allegations of poor healthcare for Gambaryan, asserting that he “has access to quality medical care whenever required” along with consular services from the United States.