Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, faces health crisis in Nigerian prison. Video leaks expose harsh conditions. Release calls mount.
On September 4, Gambaryan’s next hearing is scheduled, and the judge will review the executive’s most recent bail request.
The trial date for Tigran Gambaryan, the head of crime compliance at Binance, was moved forward to September 2, and he showed up in court. A troubling video surfaced soon after Gambaryan’s court appearance, leading Binance CEO Richard Teng to call for his quick release.
Teng shared the footage in a post on September 3, X.
“This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family.”
The footage has reignited calls for Gambaryan’s liberation. Since he has been in custody for more than six months, questions have been raised concerning his ability to obtain legal counsel and medical attention.
The executive was taken into custody for suspected financial offenses involving $34 million and Binance’s activities in Nigeria.
Gambaryan’s attorney files a second bail request.
Gambarya’s lawyer submitted a fresh bail request during the trial, referencing the executive’s failing health.
Attorneys for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria swiftly contested the request, claiming that Gambaryan was not in poor health even though the government regulator’s attorney had provided the court with the imprisoned executive’s medical documents, which showed that he needed surgery.
The judge will continue deliberating over the bail motion at the next hearing, scheduled for September 4.
Gambaryan faces health problems.
The fact that Gambaryan’s health is allegedly deteriorating while in custody gives the September 4 hearing even more significance.
The family of the Binance executive has expressed alarm over his deteriorating health, blaming it on extended medical malpractice. In a joint statement, the family stated:
“He is no longer able to walk from the pain of his untreated herniated disc or spinal injury. The prison is also refusing to provide him with a wheelchair.”
It is evident from the widely publicized video that he does not have access to basic medical supplies, such as a wheelchair.
Gambaryan is seen in the video having trouble walking. He asks the guard why he isn’t permitted to use a wheelchair several times. But the guard refuses to comply, insisting he keeps walking using just one crutch.