Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited, is currently facing a serious health situation while on trial in Nigeria.
Tigran Gambaryan, who holds a senior position in financial crime compliance at Binance, is struggling with severe malaria and a throat infection, which have compromised his health.
According to his legal representatives from the law firm Aluko & Oyebode, these health issues have been enhanced by his detention in the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility, which is undergoing renovations and lacks the necessary medical facilities.
The law firm has urgently appealed for Gambaryan’s transfer to Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja to receive comprehensive medical care. It has been noted that as an American citizen, Gambaryan is vulnerable to malaria due to a lack of natural immunity that many Nigerians possess.
This issue was agreed upon by the U.S. Consul Officer in Abuja, who emphasized the severity of malaria for Americans and the necessity for immediate and thorough medical treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.
A letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court by Aluko & Oyebode partner C.J. Caleb outlined the deteriorating health of Gambaryan. It revealed that he collapsed on May 22 and required intravenous treatment for malaria.
The letter pointed to the urgent need for his relocation to a facility capable of providing the required medical care, pointing out that Kuje Correctional Centre is not equipped to handle his medical needs due to ongoing renovation work.
This medical plea comes during Gambaryan’s ongoing legal trials in Nigeria. Alongside Binance, he is facing serious charges including money laundering and tax evasion, with the latter involving claims of $35 million in unpaid taxes. The legal proceedings were initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Gambaryan’s legal issues began when he was detained by Nigerian security officials in February, alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa. Both executives were apprehended as part of the directive on cryptocurrency platforms by the Nigerian government. While Anjarwalla managed to escape and allegedly fled to Kenya, Gambaryan remained in custody, leading to his current predicament.
During a recent court session, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), requested an adjournment due to his client’s poor health. Mordi informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja that Gambaryan had been unwell since the last trial date, necessitating immediate medical attention.
