Key Points
- Gambaryan’s health is critically declining, requiring urgent medical attention.
- The Biden administration is urged to take stronger action for his release.
- The situation highlights the challenges and dangers faced by foreign nationals in Nigerian detention facilities.
According to reports, detained US Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan had to be wheeled into a court in Abuja, Nigeria today in a wheelchair because a herniated disc in his back left him in severe pain and "barely able to walk."
Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crimes compliance, has been detained in Nigeria since February.
Initially under home detention, Gambaryan was transferred to Kuje prison after a colleague escaped.
Kuje prison is notorious for housing violent criminals, including Boko Haram members.
This has led to his deteriorating condition and he now suffers from serious health problems, including a herniated disc, suspected malaria, double pneumonia and numbness in his feet.
Gambaryan pleads not guilty to money laundering
Gambaryan, a former IRS agent and current head of financial crimes compliance at Binance, voluntarily traveled to Nigeria in February to meet with government officials.
He was subsequently detained without explanation and later charged with money laundering and tax evasion
Gambaryan faces charges of money laundering, though initial tax evasion charges were dropped. He pleads not guilty and is seen as a scapegoat by his family and supporters.
Biden administration shows indifference to Gambaryan
The Biden administration has faced criticism for not doing enough to aid Gambaryan.
Reps. French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan have advocated for his release, describing the prison conditions as horrible.
Nigerian court hearings continue to be delayed
Nigerian court has ordered the release of Gambaryan’s medical records, but prison officials have not complied.
His money laundering trial is adjourned to October due to the summer closure of Nigerian courts. Without intervention, Gambaryan will remain in Kuje prison through the fall.
Gambaryan's wife Yuki pleads for her husband's release
His wife, Yuki, is pleading for his release on humanitarian grounds, citing severe health deterioration.
“This ordeal has taken a severe toll on him, leaving him in so much pain that he can hardly walk," she said in the statement. "I do not understand why this is being allowed to continue," she continued. "Tigran is innocent.
All he did was dutifully travel to Nigeria for a meeting.. “Now our lives have been turned upside down and his health is at serious risk. I am pleading with the Nigerian authorities to urgently release my husband on humanitarian grounds.
This situation is destroying him. I need him safely home with us right now."
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