Binance Exec Is Very Sick and Absent from Court Hearing In Nigeria

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Chief Financial Crime Officer, was denied bail last week and has spent his 232nd day in detention in Nigeria. He was charged with money laundering in connection with his employer’s operations.

Gambaryan’s case has drawn attention not only for its legal implications but also for the alarming health concerns he faces while in custody. On October 18, a scheduled court hearing devolved into chaos as officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service failed to produce Gambaryan for proceedings. 

A Frustrating Day in Court

The scheduled court session ought to be the continuation of questioning the second witness in the case against Gambaryan and Binance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, confusion took over when court officials announced they could not produce Gambaryan for the proceedings as expected.

The courtroom was filled with disbelief as officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service claimed they did not know where Gambaryan was. This prompted Tonye Krukrubo, a member of his defense team, to exclaim in frustration. He found Gambaryan’s absence in court utterly ridiculous and struggled to find the right words. 

Binance Executive’s Health Concerns Escalate

The situation intensified when a Correctional Service official informed the court that Gambaryan was very sick and could not attend the hearing. This revelation sparked alarm among Gambaryan’s legal representatives. His legal teams have repeatedly voiced concerns about his deteriorating health since he collapsed in court back in May.

Mark Mordi, Gambaryan’s lawyer, implored the judge to ensure the Correctional Service provided adequate medical care. He requested a hearing for the following week to update the court on Gambaryan’s condition. 

He emphasized the need for the court to remain informed about the detained executive’s well-being. Despite the pressing nature of Gambaryan’s health concerns, the court set the next trial date for October 25.  

The Ongoing Struggles of Gambaryan

Since his initial detention, he has suffered from repeated bouts of malaria, pneumonia, and respiratory infections. Compounding these issues, his pre-existing herniated disk condition has worsened due to the harsh conditions of Nigerian prison. This has largely left him bedridden and reliant on a wheelchair.

Gambaryan’s attempts to secure bail based on his health issues have been denied. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Nigerian Federal High Court asserted that poor health alone was not sufficient grounds for release. Also, all efforts from the US government officials and Binance to get Gambaryan released have yielded no fruition.