The family of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria for alleged financial crimes, has expressed grave concerns regarding his deteriorating health condition after six months in custody. Gambaryan’s health issues have significantly worsened due to what his family describes as medical neglect in a Nigerian detention facility.
The Arrest and Charges
Tigran Gambaryan was arrested following an invitation by the Nigerian government to attend a meeting, after which he was detained, accused of multiple financial crimes including money laundering, currency speculation, and tax evasion. These charges are linked to his role at the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Since his detention, Gambaryan’s situation has become increasingly dire, raising alarms about the standards of care and legal adherence in his case.
According to his family, Gambaryan suffers from a herniated disc or spinal injury, which has progressed to the point where he is unable to walk due to severe pain. The facility has reportedly denied him access to a wheelchair, exacerbating his condition and limiting his mobility. This has led to additional health risks, including the need for blood thinners to prevent clots due to his immobility.
Compounding Medical Issues:
- Severe tonsillitis exacerbated by untreated malaria and pneumonia.
- Advised surgical removal of tonsils due to persistent infection.
The family claims that there have been multiple breaches of Gambaryan’s legal rights:
- The Nigerian authorities allegedly prevented his legal team from visiting him from July 26 to August 14, contrary to Nigerian law and prison regulations.
- A brief five-minute meeting was permitted on August 14 to prepare for trial, after which his legal team was again denied entry.
- Restrictions have also prevented him from accessing consular support from the United States embassy.
The family has accused the detention facility of refusing to share Gambaryan’s medical records with both his legal representatives and the U.S. embassy. This has resulted in a bench warrant being issued for the arrest of the Nigerian prison doctor responsible for Gambaryan’s care, suggesting serious neglect and procedural violations.
Cryptocurrency Regulation in Nigeria
Amid these troubling developments, Nigeria’s cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve. The country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), recognizing the rapid growth of the crypto economy in Nigeria, is moving toward formalizing the sector. In a recent interview, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama emphasized the imminent licensing of cryptocurrency exchanges, signaling a significant regulatory shift that could impact the legal context of Gambaryan’s case and the operations of platforms like Binance in Nigeria.
The case of Tigran Gambaryan has garnered international attention, highlighting concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and the operational challenges faced by global businesses in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the balance between enforcing financial regulations and ensuring fair legal treatment.
Tigran Gambaryan’s detention and the subsequent health and legal issues he faces have put a spotlight on the treatment of detained foreign executives in Nigeria. As the Nigerian government advances towards integrating cryptocurrency into its formal economic structure, the international community continues to watch how it handles cases involving high-profile foreign nationals and global financial entities. The resolution of this case could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s legal reputation and its future in the global cryptocurrency market.
