Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Ongoing Ordeal
Tigran Gambaryan, a prominent executive at Binance, remains in custody in Nigeria as of Wednesday. His situation has taken a troubling turn after the presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, reportedly missed Gambaryan’s bail hearing to attend a seminar on October 9, further prolonging his detention.
Judge Reschedules Hearing
Judge Emeka Nwite’s absence has delayed Gambaryan’s bail hearing, which has now been rescheduled for Friday, October 11. This delays the opportunity for the Binance executive to mount a defense against the serious allegations he faces. Gambaryan has been in prison since late February 2024, facing allegations of money laundering and tax evasion brought forth by Nigerian authorities.
Allegations and Community Response
The allegations against Gambaryan have raised eyebrows within the cryptocurrency community, with many suggesting that he is a pawn in a larger geopolitical conflict involving Binance and the Nigerian government. Despite his title, Gambaryan’s role within the exchange has been characterized as lacking decision-making authority, further fueling suspicions regarding the motivations behind his detainment.
Richard Weber, a former IRS special agent, expressed his concerns in a recent podcast, stating, “Tigran is a hostage. He did nothing wrong. He is sitting in a prison for a crime he did not commit.” Weber went on to highlight the ambiguity surrounding the charges, suggesting that even Nigerian authorities may not fully understand the basis for Gambaryan’s incarceration.
Health Concerns in Detention
Reports indicate that Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention at Kuje prison. Footage from a court appearance shows him in visible agony due to a herniated disc. In the video, he pleaded, “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?” His calls for help echo the concerns from various quarters regarding the inadequate medical care provided to him while in custody.
Political Pressure for His Release
U.S. lawmakers have also weighed in on the issue. Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) visited Gambaryan in June and reported that he was suffering from serious health issues, including malaria and double pneumonia. Hill has demanded “immediate humanitarian release” for Gambaryan, along with the dismissal of all charges against him, urging authorities to allow him to return home to America.
Family’s Plea for Justice
Tigran Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has publicly expressed her frustration with the situation, stating, “They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up.” She insists that accountability is necessary for the violation of both legal and human rights standards that her husband is enduring.
As Gambaryan’s next hearing approaches, the fallout from his case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of individuals within foreign legal systems, particularly in contexts involving international business and cryptocurrency.