Binance exec in Nigerian prison is ‘almost bedridden’

Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan’s health continues to deteriorate amid prolonged incarceration in Nigeria

Gambaryan’s prison condition had exacerbated a preexisting back problem, a herniated disc, which requires highly specialised surgery, according to Nigerian sources who spoke with DL News under conditions of anonymity.

Gambaryan’s family confirmed his current poor health.

Neither the Nigerian Correctional Service nor the country’s information ministry immediately responded to requests for comments.

“The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk,” Gambaryan’s wife Yuki said in a statement shared by the family’s representatives with DL News.

Gambaryan, Binance’s financial crimes compliance chief, has been incarcerated in Kuje prison near Nigeria’s capital Abuja since April 8.

He is on trial for money laundering alongside his employer Binance.

Both are accused of facilitating illicit crypto fund flow of about $35 million by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ― Nigeria’s anti-corruption police.

Gambaryan and Binance deny these charges.

Gambaryan’s health condition has been a major worry during the trial as the Binance executive collapsed during the first day of proceedings in May.

The former US federal agent’s physical appearance has progressively looked emaciated and weak during court appearances and he was wheelchair-bound in the latter stages of the case before the break.

Malaria and pneumonia

Gambaryan has suffered from malaria and pneumonia.

His family says he is now also battling tonsilitis and is almost bedridden.

“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,” Yuki Gambaryan said. She added that her husband has taken blood thinners to prevent the occurrence of a potentially fatal blood clot.

Slow to act

Despite these complaints, prison officials have been slow to act.

They refused to obey several court directives to transfer Gambaryan to a private hospital under guard for treatment, according to court proceedings monitored by DL News.

A visibly frustrated Justice Nwite issued a bench arrest warrant for the Kuje Prison director during the last trial session on July 16 for failing to produce Gambaryan’s medical test reports.

Meanwhile, Nigerian prison officials and the country’s information ministry have maintained that Gambaryan is being properly cared for by the authorities.

However, previous visits by US lawmakers to assess Gambaryan’s health status said the Binance executive was being kept under “horrible prison conditions.”

Biden administration

Since Gambaryan’s arrest in February, Binance, his family and the wider crypto community as well as several politicians have called for his release.

While the Biden Administration has been slow to act, advocacy for his release has begun gathering steam in the US.

In July Brian Fitzpatrick, the Representative from Pennsylvania, visited Gambaryan as part of a fact-finding mission as chair of the National Intelligence Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Fitzpatrick met with US citizens who are detainees in several African nations including Nigeria, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The US Congressman was able to secure the release of a detained American in the DRC, acting as a surrogate in the negotiations.

“There are still Americans, like Tigran, enduring unimaginable trauma in detention around the world and we will not rest until they are home,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

Update, Aug 12: A line was added to clarify that Gambaryan and Binance deny the charges.

Osato Avan-Nomayo is our Nigeria-based DeFi correspondent. He covers DeFi and tech. To share tips or information about stories, please contact him at osato@dlnews.com.