TLDR:
- Tigran Gambaryan, former IRS agent and Binance executive, has been detained in Nigeria since February on fraud charges
- His wife Yuki reports his health has severely deteriorated and he can no longer walk
- Gambaryan is facing money laundering charges related to Binance
- His legal team has had restricted access, hindering trial preparation
- A Nigerian judge will hear the case against Binance and Gambaryan on September 2, earlier than originally scheduled
The case of Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) special agent and current Binance executive, has taken a dire turn as he remains in Nigerian custody facing money laundering charges.
Gambaryan, who was detained in February 2024, is reportedly experiencing severe health issues, according to recent statements from his wife, Yuki Gambaryan.
Gambaryan was arrested on fraud charges related to his work with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering, the tax evasion charges were later dropped. However, Gambaryan still faces prosecution for money laundering, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The trial, which began in June, was suspended in July when the Nigerian judiciary broke for vacation. It is now set to resume on September 2, earlier than the originally scheduled October 11 date, following a request from defense lawyers.
Yuki Gambaryan has made an emotional plea for her husband’s release, highlighting his deteriorating health condition.
According to her statement, Tigran can no longer walk due to a herniated disc in his back, which has caused him severe pain. The family reports that he is now bedridden and at risk of blood clots, requiring blood thinners. They also state that the prison doctor has noted muscle atrophy.
Concerns have been raised about Gambaryan’s access to appropriate medical care. His family claims that he has been denied necessary treatment, despite contracting malaria and suffering from double pneumonia during his incarceration.
The situation has reportedly reached a critical point, with Yuki Gambaryan stating that her husband is “now reaching the point of no return.”
Adding to the complexity of the case, Gambaryan’s legal team has faced significant challenges in preparing for the trial. From July 26 to August 14, his lawyers were reportedly not allowed to enter the prison to visit him.
A brief five-minute visit was permitted on August 15, but access has since been restricted again. This lack of access, the family argues, impedes proper trial preparation and goes against the Nigerian constitution.
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has reportedly lost access to Gambaryan. Due to his inability to walk and the denial of wheelchair use, he cannot physically reach the visitor area, cutting off consular support.
Gambaryan’s detention has had a profound impact on his family life. He has missed several significant family events, including his son’s 5th birthday and first day of school, his own 40th birthday, and is set to miss his wife’s birthday and their 15th wedding anniversary.
The case against Gambaryan is part of a larger action against Binance in Nigeria. The cryptocurrency exchange faces accusations of money laundering involving more than $35 million.
Binance has denied these charges. The Nigerian government has blamed the company for contributing to the weakness of the national currency, the naira, as cryptocurrency websites became popular platforms for trading in the face of chronic dollar shortages.
As the September 2 court date approaches, Gambaryan’s family continues to appeal for his release on health grounds. They are urging both the Nigerian and U.S. governments to intervene, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given Gambaryan’s deteriorating physical condition.
