Highlights:
- Binance CEO Richard Teng calls for Tigran Gambaryan’s release after video reveals inhumane treatment.
- The surfaced video shows Gambaryan struggling to walk in court, sparking global outrage and demands for his release.
- Nigerian authorities oppose Gambaryan’s bail despite his deteriorating condition, further intensifying the controversy.
A disturbing video has surfaced online showing the inhumane treatment of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria since February 26. The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage, depicts Gambaryan struggling to walk on crutches as he pleads for a wheelchair in a Nigerian courthouse. Despite his obvious distress, the correctional officer dismisses his requests, forcing him to manage without proper support.
The video, shared by Binance CEO Richard Teng on X, has intensified calls for Tigran Gambaryan’s immediate release. “This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end,” Teng declared, emphasizing the need for Gambaryan to return home for urgent medical care. The Binance executive, who serves as the head of crime compliance, has been suffering from a herniated disc and other severe health conditions, including pneumonia and malaria, during his incarceration.
This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family. https://t.co/HsQNoyE0cS
— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) September 3, 2024
Tigran Gambaryan’s Deteriorating Health
Gambaryan’s health has significantly worsened during his six-month detention at Kuje prison. His family and legal team have raised serious concerns about the lack of adequate medical treatment. According to a family spokesperson, Gambaryan is now unable to walk due to the untreated herniated disc in his back. Despite a court order for medical reports, Nigerian authorities have reportedly ignored these directives, further fueling concerns about his well-being.
The Nigerian government has maintained that Gambaryan is in good health, a claim contradicted by independent assessments from his family, legal team, and U.S. Embassy officials. His condition has become a focal point in his ongoing legal battle, which revolves around allegations of money laundering involving $34 million connected to Binance’s operations in Nigeria. Gambaryan has vehemently denied the charges, which his lawyer describes as “state-sanctioned hostage-taking.”
Legal Battle Intensifies
The video’s release comes as Gambaryan’s trial resumed on September 2, following a long summer break. His attorney has filed a new motion for bail, citing his deteriorating health and the urgent need for surgery. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the motion, arguing that Gambaryan’s health is not as critical as claimed. Despite presenting medical records indicating the necessity for surgery, the court has yet to rule on the bail request.
Binance staffer detained in Nigeria seeks bail on health grounds https://t.co/TfMd2YzbIa pic.twitter.com/FmCAAgbIcv
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 2, 2024
The next hearing is set for September 4, when the judge will consider Gambaryan’s plea for bail. The Binance executive’s family continues to advocate for his release, urging the U.S. government to intervene. “The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran,” his wife Yuki stated, expressing deep concern over the potential for permanent damage due to the lack of medical care.
The video has ignited a global outcry, with human rights advocates and the cryptocurrency community rallying behind Gambaryan. Steve Milton, a former Binance executive, described the situation as “unconscionable,” emphasizing that Gambaryan is not just a Binance executive but a respected law enforcement professional invited to Nigeria by the government.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the broader implications for Binance’s operations in Nigeria. The cryptocurrency exchange has faced mounting legal challenges in the country, with the Nigerian government accusing it of illegal transactions and financial misconduct. Despite these accusations, Binance has maintained its innocence, denying involvement in the alleged $34 million money laundering scheme.