Binance to FG: Let’s continue engagement… allow Gambaryan to return home

Binance has asked the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambaryan, its head of financial crime compliance.

A Binance spokesperson said on Tuesday that Gambaryan’s health condition is distressing.

On February 28, Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were detained by Nigerian authorities.

Although Anjarwalla escaped from the custody of the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), the firm and Gambaryan, in April, were charged with money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

Gambaryan’s legal team and his family had previously raised the alarm that the Binance executive could die in Kuje prison if his health continued to deteriorate.

His wife, Yuki, said her husband’s health was getting worse and that he requires a “highly specialised and risky surgery” to treat the herniated disc in his back.

At the resumption of trial on September 2, the EFCC objected to the health claims made by Gambaryan, saying the situation “is not as serious” as portrayed.

Speaking on the development, the Binance spokesperson said Gambaryan’s health is “rapidly declining”.

“We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This video is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality,” the spokesperson said in a statement made available to TheCable.

“His health is rapidly declining and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention.

“Nigeria does not need to keep Tigran for us to settle any alleged past issues. We continue to implore the Government of Nigeria to let Tigran return home and let us continue in our engagements.

“Our recent resolutions with Brazil and India demonstrate how historical issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue and adherence to legal standards. 

“This is the international standard of doing business.”

‘GAMBARYAN NEEDS SURGERY’

Gambaryan’s wife Yuki also raised concerns about the dismissal of her husband’s health issues.

Yuki said the prison had withheld his medical records, while she called on the US government to intervene in the matter.

“This situation is entirely unjust. My husband was unlawfully detained by the Nigerian government after being invited under false pretences for a meeting in their country,” she said.

“During this prolonged imprisonment, his health continues to deteriorate, and now, he is in so much pain that he can barely walk. The US government must do more to help Tigran.

“I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage.

“I am also deeply concerned about recent statements from Nigerian authorities denying Tigran’s health issues. The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery. They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this.

“This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”

Gambaryan’s bail application is expected to be heard on September 4.