Yuki Gambaryan Advocates for Her Husband’s Release
Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance who is currently detained in Nigeria, has once again voiced her pleas for his release. In a recent episode of the podcast “Designated,” hosted by former CIA analyst Yaya Fanusie, Ms. Gambaryan expressed her frustrations and concerns regarding her husband’s unexpected imprisonment earlier this year.
During the podcast, she passionately stated, “Tigran is innocent and he didn’t do anything wrong. He is suffering and needs to come home.” Her emotional appeal highlighted the potential for anyone to become a victim of unjust imprisonment, adding, “This could happen to anyone—not just Tigran… I don’t want anyone to experience what I’m going through right now.” Demonstrating her strength as a mother, Ms. Gambaryan mentioned the challenges she faces while trying to care for their two young children amidst her personal turmoil.
Family Struggles in Times of Crisis
Ms. Gambaryan shared a poignant moment with her children that emphasized the emotional toll of her husband’s detention. “The other day I took them to a nearby park, and my son saw an airplane in the sky. He said, ‘Mommy, look, there’s an airplane! Is daddy on the airplane?’ It was heartbreaking.” This incident underlined the depth of her family’s struggle as they cope with Tigran’s absence.
Tigran Gambaryan’s Imprisonment and Health Issues
Tigran Gambaryan was arrested earlier this year during a trip to Nigeria for policy discussions, facing allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. Despite his assurances of safe passage to the country, he was detained. Many observers have raised questions about the validity of the charges, suggesting that he may be a scapegoat in Nigeria’s broader challenges with Binance’s cryptocurrency operations.
While his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, managed to evade capture, Gambaryan remains incarcerated in Kuje prison, located outside Nigeria’s capital. His health has significantly deteriorated during his time in detention; he has reportedly battled malaria, double pneumonia, and complications resulting from a herniated disc. Video footage from a recent court appearance revealed Tigran in distress, struggling with mobility and visibly upset, as he lamented, “I’m not okay. Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I’m innocent—why are you doing this to me?”
Call for Government Intervention
In her heartfelt plea, Ms. Gambaryan urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran as formally wrongfully detained. “One thing I would like to see happen very soon is the State Department declaring Tigran as formally wrongfully detained,” she articulated, emphasizing the urgent need for governmental involvement in her husband’s case. “What Tigran is going through every day is a complete disregard for justice and humanity and it should not be tolerated,” she continued, expressing her growing despair. “It is getting harder and harder to stay hopeful.”