TLDR:
- Detained in Nigeria since February, Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS agent and Binance executive, faces fraud allegations.
- Yuki, his spouse, reports a significant decline in his health, stating he now suffers from immobility.
- Gambaryan stands accused of engaging in money laundering activities linked to Binance.
- His legal team reports restricted access, impairing their ability to adequately prepare for the trial.
- On September 2, a Nigerian judge is set to preside over the case involving Binance and Gambaryan, earlier than the initially expected schedule.
The ongoing ordeal of Tigran Gambaryan, a one-time special agent for the U.S. IRS and currently a Binance executive, remains critical as he resides in Nigerian confinement facing charges of money laundering.
Since his February 2024 arrest, Gambaryan has reportedly endured severe health setbacks, as outlined by his spouse, Yuki.
Apprehended on fraud-related allegations connected to his role at Binance, the top cryptocurrency exchange, Gambaryan was initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering. However, the tax evasion claims were later nullified, leaving only money laundering charges against which he asserts his innocence.
The judicial proceedings that began in June faced a halt in July due to the Nigerian court's recess. It is now set to resume on September 2 The court date was moved forward following a request from the defense, previously slated for October 11.
With her husband's health conditions worsening, Yuki Gambaryan has made an emotional plea for his current release.
She highlights that due to a herniated disc inducing significant pain, Tigran can’t walk anymore. The family confirms he is immobilized and susceptible to clot risks, necessitating anticoagulants. They also disclose the prison doctor noted muscle degeneration.
Raising concerns regarding Gambaryan’s access to needed medical care, his family alleges denial of crucial treatments, despite him contracting malaria and dual pneumonia during detainment.
Reports indicate the situation is exceedingly dire, with Yuki mentioning her husband is nearing a point of no return.
The complexity of the case is augmented by challenges faced by Gambaryan's legal representatives during trial groundwork. Between July 26 and August 14, reports state his attorneys faced barring from prison visitation.
Although a brief visit was granted on August 15, subsequent access was curtailed, impacting effective trial preparations and contravening Nigeria’s constitutional rights.
Concurrently, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria finds itself unable to reach Gambaryan. His non-mobility and denial of mobility aids hamper physical access to the visitor area, restricting consular engagement.
Gambaryan's family life is notably marred due to his detention. Missed events include his son's 5th birthday, the first school day, Gambaryan’s 40th birthday, with upcoming missed anniversaries like his wife's birthday and their 15-year marriage.
The Gambaryan case ties into broader legal action against Binance in Nigeria, with money laundering charges involving over $35 million leveled against the firm.
Binance denies these accusations, while the Nigerian authorities blame them for depreciating the naira, asserting that cryptocurrency trading platforms thrive amidst continuous dollar scarcities.
With the September 2 court hearing approaching, Gambaryan's family persistently seeks his release on health premises, urging Nigerian and U.S. governmental intervention, stressing the urgency given Gambaryan’s declining health.
