Heartbreaking Video: Binance Exec Tigran Gambaryan Cries for Justice in Nigerian Detention
Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, was seen limping into an Abuja courtroom on Monday after being denied a wheelchair by prison authorities.
In a distressing video shared on X, Gambaryan is visibly struggling, clutching a prison guard for support and expressing frustration over his treatment.
“I’m not okay, this is messed up,” Gambaryan says in the video, his discomfort evident as he attempts to walk with only a single crutch.
His pleas for help from the guard are met with resistance, leading him to accuse the officials of staging a show and mistreating him despite his claims of innocence.
Gambaryan’s legal team submitted a new bail application on medical grounds, citing severe health issues developed during his imprisonment. These include malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and complications from a herniated disc, which have left him in excruciating pain and nearly unable to walk.
Despite these claims, a prosecutor from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the bail request, alleging that Gambaryan is not truly ill and is refusing treatment.
Gambaryan’s prior bail application was rejected in May. The Kuje prison authorities have been criticized for withholding his health records, although some were reportedly submitted to the court during Monday’s hearing. These records indicate a need for urgent surgery, though crucial documents such as an MRI scan are reportedly missing.
In addition to inadequate medical care, Gambaryan has faced challenges accessing his lawyers and U.S. embassy staff, according to his family spokesperson. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has called on the U.S. government to intervene, describing the situation as “inhumane and degrading” and urging the use of every available tool to secure his release.
Gambaryan, a former IRS agent and Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained after voluntarily traveling to Nigeria at the government’s request. Initially placed under house arrest with colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, Gambaryan was later transferred to Kuje prison following Anjarwalla’s escape in March. He faces charges of money laundering, with tax evasion charges previously dropped. Gambaryan has pleaded not guilty.
The U.S. government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Gambaryan’s situation. While the State Department acknowledged reports of his detention in March, it has not commented further. The White House has referred inquiries to the State Department.
On another note, the situation surrounding Tigran Gambaryan’s detention in Nigeria transcends Binance and strikes at the heart of the global crypto community. This is not just a fight for one man, but a fight for basic human dignity and rights. No individual should be subjected to such inhumane conditions, especially when in dire need of medical care.
The denial of essential medical support in clear and urgent circumstances is an affront to the principles of justice and humanity. It is imperative that the global community stands united against such violations, ensuring that no one—regardless of their affiliation—endures this kind of treatment.
This is a call to action for all who value human rights and the integrity of the global financial system.
