Abuja, Nigeria – The health of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria on money laundering charges, is rapidly deteriorating, his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has alarmed.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance at the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, was arrested alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, in February. Both executives and the company face multiple charges including money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla has since fled the country.
“My husband’s health is in a shockingly bad condition,” Yuki Gambaryan said in a statement on Monday. She revealed that a pre-existing herniated disc has worsened dramatically, threatening permanent damage and his ability to walk.
The situation has been exacerbated by the denial of access to lawyers since July 26, according to the wife.
Binance and Gambaryan have consistently denied the charges leveled against them.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, responsible for the prison where Gambaryan is held, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
In a previous court appearance, Gambaryan was brought to court in a wheelchair, prompting the judge to order a medical report. However, this report has not been submitted.
A court order for Gambaryan’s hospitalization for 24 hours for medical diagnosis and treatment was issued last month. The case has been adjourned until October 11.
Binance suspended all transactions and trading in Nigeria’s local currency in March following a government crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges.
