The family of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, detained in Nigeria, has raised alarm over his deteriorating health, urging authorities for his immediate release as legal and diplomatic tensions escalate.
Points
- Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has been detained in Nigeria since February 2024 under accusations related to illegal transactions.
- Gambaryan’s health is rapidly declining, with severe conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
- Binance’s CEO and U.S. lawmakers are pushing for his release, highlighting concerns over his safety and the legal proceedings.
- The case has drawn international attention, with diplomatic pressure mounting on the Nigerian government.
The family of Tigran Gambaryan, a prominent Binance executive, is urgently calling for his release from detention in Nigeria, citing severe health issues that have left him mostly bedridden. Gambaryan, who oversees financial crime compliance at Binance, has been held in Nigeria since February 2024. His detention, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, came after their arrival in Abuja, the capital city, on accusations of illegal transaction profits linked to Binance’s operations in the country.
Gambaryan’s condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly during his time in detention. According to a statement released by a communications firm representing his family, Gambaryan is suffering from a herniated disc in his back, which has worsened to the point where it may cause permanent damage and affect his ability to walk. Additionally, he has developed throat infections, pneumonia, and other complications that require surgery, including the removal of his tonsils.
“My once fit and healthy husband, who loves working out, is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed,” said his wife, Yuki Gambaryan. She expressed deep concern over the inadequate medical care her husband is receiving in Kuje prison, where he is being held. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Gambaryan’s legal team has been barred from meeting with him, raising serious concerns about his legal rights and the transparency of the proceedings.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has publicly called on the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan, emphasizing that he was in the country as an expert in financial crime to engage in policy discussions, not to engage in illegal activities. Teng highlighted the cooperative efforts Binance has made to comply with Nigeria’s digital asset regulations, despite facing challenges due to unclear requirements and a lack of responsiveness from the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission （SEC）. In June 2023, the Nigerian SEC accused Binance of operating illegally, which led to Binance suspending its services for Nigerian investors.
The case has drawn international attention, particularly from U.S. lawmakers. In June, a group of 15 lawmakers led by Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee sent a letter to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, urging them to treat Gambaryan’s situation as a hostage case. The letter emphasized that Gambaryan has been denied adequate healthcare in prison and expressed fear for his life if he remains in detention.
The ongoing situation has raised serious questions about the legal processes in Nigeria and the treatment of foreign nationals accused of financial crimes. The case also highlights the growing tension between cryptocurrency companies and regulators worldwide, as governments grapple with how to regulate this rapidly evolving industry.
As the diplomatic pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond. The health and safety of Tigran Gambaryan remain of utmost concern, with his family and supporters urging immediate action to prevent further harm.
解説
- International Legal Tensions: The detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan underscores the complex legal challenges facing cryptocurrency companies as they navigate differing regulatory landscapes around the world. The situation in Nigeria, combined with U.S. diplomatic efforts, highlights the potential for international incidents involving crypto industry leaders.
- Health and Human Rights Concerns: The rapid decline in Gambaryan’s health and the reported denial of adequate medical care raise serious human rights concerns. This aspect of the case may further complicate diplomatic relations and put additional pressure on the Nigerian government to act.
- Implications for Binance: As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, Binance’s involvement in this case could have significant repercussions for its operations in Nigeria and other regions. The outcome of this situation may influence how other countries approach the regulation and enforcement of crypto-related activities.