Binance Nigeria: Tigran Gambaryan on Crutches Pleads For Help, is Denied Bail
A new video shows Tigran Gambaryan's condition is worsening. (Credit: Hameem Sarwar: CCN.com)
- Gambaryan reportedly needs surgery for a herniated disc in his spine, as well as treatment for malaria and pneumonia.
- U.S. lawmakers are calling for Gambaryan to be considered a hostage in Nigeria.
- Gambaryan has been in Nigerian detention for six months, and the next hearing will be on Oct. 11, 2024.
U.S. diplomats are once again pressuring Nigerian officials to see Binance exec Tigran Gambaryan released from prison as his health rapidly declines.
“Wrongfully Detained”
As per a report from The New York Times, U.S. diplomats from the State Department have been actively pressuring the Nigerian government to see the release of Gambaryan, who has been detained in Binance since March of this year.
Reportedly, Gambaryans’s detainment has caused friction between the U.S. an Nigeria. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, have privately pushed for his release.
Amid Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition, U.S. diplomats are seeking to label his detainment as a humanitarian issue, and to have his case labeled as “wrongfully detained”. This, alongside efforts to declare Gamryan’s circumstances as a “hostage situation”, could be the political pressure needed.
The news comes just over a week following Gambaryan’s last court appearance, where the exec was distressed, and pleading for help.
Denied Bail, Again
In a video posted to X, Tigran Gamabryan is seen on a crutch being escorted to the courtroom on Sept. 2, 2024.
Gambaryan, who is visibly distressed, attempted to grip onto the prison guard’s wrist for support, repeatedly saying, “I’m not okay. This is f*cked up,” as the guard stepped away from providing support, leaving Gambaryan on just a crutch.
“He was told not to help me. He said there’s instruction – this is f*cked up. Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I’m a f*cking innocent person. Why are you doing this to me?”
Gambaryan, clearly unable to walk properly due to issues with his spine, has been seeking bail on medical grounds, and a new application was filed on Monday urging for his immediate release.
This is also so he can be treated for conditions he developed in prison, namely pneumonia, malaria, and tonsilitis.
In a separate statement , Gambaryan’s wife explained that the medical records which the courts withheld show that he needs surgery and that this “entire situation is inhumane and degrading,” adding:
“Tigran was denied the use of a wheelchair to enter the court and had to struggle on crutches, visibly in pain and distressed. He broke down crying in court,”
According to local media reports , the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has countered these claims and stated that Gambaryan’s health concerns were “not as serious” as he was presenting them.
“Unlawfully Detained”
Binance CEO Richard Teng has posted an update on Tigran Gambaryan’s situation, calls the allegations on which the exec is detained baseless, and notes that his health is rapidly deteriorating.
In the post , Teng notes that it has now been six months since Gambaryan was unjustly detained and that his physical and mental health has worsened, citing fears that he may never properly recover from this episode.
“He is in severe pain and unable to walk due to a herniated disc. Despite his condition, the Nigerian government has denied him adequate medical care, including basic needs such as access to a wheelchair. “
Teng adds that the authorities have continued denying him access to his legal counsel or releasing his medical records, which comes after months of requests.
In addition, this week, Gambaryan was denied access to his U.S. consulate representative. “These actions are inexplicable,” says Teng.
Concerned for the “potentially irreversible physical and mental impact” that the ordeal is causing, Teng calls for release.
Teng also points out that Nigeria’s lawsuits against Binance are not a cause to imprison an “innocent employee” to answer said allegations against the exchange.
The Binance CEO called for the U.S. government, authorities, and legislators to leverage political muscle and see Gambaryan return to his family.
Family Plea
As per sources close to the matter, Gambaryan was previously denied access to his legal team, and his health is “rapidly” worsening.
“[…] he now also requires a further surgery to remove his tonsils. As he is mostly bedridden, he is now having to take blood thinners to avoid blood clots,”
Gambaryan’s condition worsened significantly since he appeared in court on July 16 in a wheelchair, according to sources. The court has adjourned the Binance exec’s case until Oct. 11, 2024, for its annual holiday, and Gambaryan’s legal team has reportedly been barred from visiting him since July 26.
With the Binance executive bedridden, lawyers are urging for the case to be heard during the court’s recess. However, as of now, there have been no developments on this request.
Additionally, his family has disclosed that he has a herniated disk in his spine requiring surgery and has developed pneumonia due to his time at Kuje prison.
Deteriorating State
Numerous local media reports have stated that Gambaryan appeared frail and in a wheelchair at the Federal High Court in Abuja during Binance’s money laundering trial.
One notable development is that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr. Abaraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at Kuje prison. The judge issued the warrant because the doctor allegedly refused to produce Gambaryan’s medical report.
Nwite has ordered that Gambryan be taken to hospital for 24 hours of medical care, at any time of his choosing, though under full security surveillance.
The judge adjourned the money laundering trial until October 2024, largely due to Nigerian High Court judges being set to go on a long vacation from July 23 to mid-September.
US Lawmakers Urge ‘Hostage’ Status for Gambaryan in Nigeria as Tensions Escalate
U.S. lawmakers have introduced a new resolution to the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, calling for the U.S. State Department to treat the case of Tigran Gambaryan as a hostage situation.
The bill , “H.Res.1348,” authored by Representative Rich McCormick and Representative French Hill, urges the Government of Nigeria to release Tigran Gambaryan from imprisonment immediately. It calls on lawmakers to formally declare the Binance executive and former federal agent a hostage.
“Tigran’s detainment has been ongoing since February of 2024, the court typically takes a recess from mid-July to September; if Tigran’s case is not resolved by mid-July, he may remain in detention for an even longer undue period of time.”
The bill highlights that Gambaryan is jailed in Kuje Prison, “[…]which is known for its harsh conditions and also holds members of the terrorist group Boko Haram”. Notably, it cites a report from the U.S. Department of the State, which found “credible” reports of significant human rights abuse and violations.
Furthermore, it noted that Gambaryan has tested positive for malaria, and the treatment he has received from medical staff has been delayed. This is despite the fact a judge ordered that he be released from prison to receive proper medical care in a hospital.
In its closing statements, the bill:
“[…]urges the United States Government to formally declare Tigran Gambaryan as a “U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by a foreign government” pursuant to section 302(a) of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act”
While the U.S. government scrambles to resolve the situation, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has launched a petition to bring her husband back and is almost at its goal of 5,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Failure to Comply
During a cross-examination on July 2, 2024, prosecution witness Abdulkadir Abbas told the Abuja Federal High Court that Binance failed to register with Nigeria’s SEC.
As a result, Binance’s digital assets services did not fall under the SEC’s purview, despite it being a requirement before beginning operations in Nigeria. He explains:
“If you are issuing Digital Asset of Virtual Assets or if you are trading crypto-currency as security, as defined in our law or in the guideline, you will be regulated by SEC,”
Meanwhile, the wife of detained exec Tigran Gambaryan renewed efforts to see her husband released from prison and once again called for his timely release. Her plea came after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) dropped tax charges against Gambaryan on June 14 and called for authorities to follow their example.
“It is time for the Nigerian authorities to do the right thing and release my innocent husband. This situation has gone too far.”
Citing his deteriorating health condition, she noted that he is suffering “immensely” and claims that he has had “double pneumonia and malaria” while in prison.
Web3 at Risk
The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCoN) said that the poor handling and detention of Binance exec Tigran Gambayran will have “ripple effects” if not handled properly.
The BICCoN published a lengthy statement on the Binance legal battle and called for “balanced resolutions.”
In their June 25 statement, BICCoN recognized the government’s role in protecting national interests but emphasized that handling the matter has created an air of risk, uncertainty, and fear amongst current or would-be industry participants, investors, and so on.
“We recommend a fair and transparent resolution, constructive dialogue, and international collaboration to address regulatory and compliance challenges in Nigeria’s virtual asset and Web3 industry.”
The BICCoN noted that Tigran Gambaryan’s ongoing detention is already chilling the Nigerian Web3 industry. They highlighted a “notable decline in foreign investments and collaboration” with domestic Web3 startups, arguing that these activities are essential to promoting innovation, job growth, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
In addition, the BICCoN said that Nigerian regulators would gain “immensely” from ongoing access to “advanced tools and resources provided by international blockchain entities,” Ultimately, the situation could see international partners also withdraw, leaving Nigeria’s regulators and law enforcement agencies to fend for themselves.
Acknowledging Gambaryan’s expertise and decorated career in security and financial crime, the BICCoN notes he would be an “invaluable asset” to Nigeria’s enforcement efforts. The BICCoN calls for a balanced and transparent approach so that dialogue can be constructive and a fair resolution can be found.
Gambaryan Amends Suit
In late June, Gambaryan requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to award “costs” against the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
In his original application, Gambaryan’s lawyers explain that their client, who is not a board member of Binance, had been unlawfully detained and had his passport seized. As a result, Gambaryan’s fundamental right to personal liberty, as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, was violated.
Now, a proposed amendment seeks compensation for “[…]the costs of this action on a full indemnity basis.” In short, Gambaryan is seeking financial compensation for the expense and inconvenience of the whole debacle.
Most recently, the court dismissed Nadeem Anjarwalla’s fundamental rights suit, which was thrown out due to his escape from Nigeria. Meanwhile, Gambaryan, who is being held in the notorious Kuje prison, is proceeding with his.
The EFCC counsel urged the court to refuse the application. However, the judge overruled this and requested an amended motion from Gambaryan’s lawyer within two days. Clarifying the decision to overrule, the judge noted that parties have the legal right to make amendments prior to judgment.
Granting Gambaryan’s application to amend, the judge adjourned the case to July 9 when. a full hearing on the motion and other applications will be heard.
Tax Charges Cleared
Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) withdrew tax evasion charges against Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla.
The news followed Binance’s notification of appointing a Nigerian representative to handle local operations, raising optimism around the prospect of Gambaryan’s release from Ajuba prison.
FIRS initially charged Binance with four counts of tax evasion, which also named both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla as defendants.
Binance, who expressed relief following the decision, called for the release of Gambaryan in a statement . Details on Anjarwalla’s whereabouts have been scarce since he escaped detainment in March. Meanwhile, Gambaryan’s health has steeply declined since being moved to Kunje prison.
“Tigran has been detained for 110 days, and his physical health is deteriorating, including a recent malaria and pneumonia diagnosis. Binance is committed to continuing to work with the Nigerian government to resolve this.”
This isn’t the end of the Binance Nigeria saga. Following Gambaryan’s June 19 hearing , the money laundering trial is set to continue on June 20.
Binance now awaits the results of these hearings and hopes to relieve Gambaryan “from this matter completely,” though they do not mention Anjarwalla, who is presumed to have escaped to Kenya.
Letters to the White House
In a series of letters written to U.S. President Joe Biden and Antony Blinken, backed by a dozen members of U.S. Congress and over 100 former federal prosecutors, efforts to see Tigran Gambaryan’s timely release are reaching the White House.
The Binance executive who remains “unlawfully” detained in Nigeria for the last three months reportedly contracted malaria, prompting an outpour of support that argues Gambaryan is a scapegoat and political prisoner at best.
In the letter, Chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and 15 other Members of Congress signed a letter urgently calling for Gambaryan’s case to be treated as a hostage situation. The letter writes :
“Mr. Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and we fear for his life. Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late,”
A second letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, signed by over 100 former federal agents and prosecutors, also called for his prompt release. Spearheaded by Katie Haun, the letter writes:
“Tigran is now being held on false charges related to money laundering and tax evasion — He is completely innocent of these charges and, as a mid-tier employee at Binance, does not hold a role that makes him an appropriate stand-in for the company,”
Noting his stellar commitment to the rule of law and his work in tackling terrorism financing, fraud, national security, and several other cases, including the Silk Road public corruption cases and the Mt. Gox hack, the letter asks the White House to leverage “the full power of U.S. diplomacy” and bring Gambaryan back home to his family.
Tigran Treated for Malaria
Following his collapse during the May 23 money laundering trial in Nigeria, lawyers disclosed that the Binance exec received treatment for malaria in Kuje prison a day prior.
The law firm representing Binance, Aluko & Oyebode, informed the courts of Gambaryan’s worsening physical condition. This may explain why the Binance executive failed to attend the original May 22 hearing and collapsed during the May 23 court hearing.
As per the letter, signed by legal partner C.J. Caleb, Gambaryan collapsed in prison on May 22 and received “intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria” from Kuje prison medical staff.
Expressing fear for his life amid this alleged deterioration of health, Caleb called for “comprehensive medical treatment at the best available hospital” within the court’s jurisdiction.
A consul officer at the U.S. Consul Office in Abuja also reportedly called for his immediate treatment, noting that malaria is a severe disease for an American and could be life-threatening.
Gambaryan Collpases in Court
According to local media reports , Gambaryan collapsed on May 23 during Binance’s money laundering hearing in a Nigerian court.
During the event, Gambaryan’s legal counsel explained that he was sick and that a letter had been filed on May 22 notifying the court of his condition.
Noting no prior health problems before his detainment, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, wrote in a statement :
“Yesterday, despite numerous signs of severe illness, my husband was still required to appear in court, where he later collapsed. The conditions in the notorious Kuje prison are, in a word, devastating.”
She expressed that he is facing “unimaginable stress” and is clearly suffering under these conditions. She called for his “immediate release” and pleaded with the Nigerian government to “show some sense of humanity.”
Binance, Gambaryan, and the on-the-run Nadeem Anjarwalla are facing a five-count money laundering, tax evasion, and currency speculation charges totaling some $35 million.
The money laundering trial has now been adjourned to June 20, 2024.
Gambaryan Fails to Appear Before Court
Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan failed to appear before the courts for unknown reasons, delaying the tax evasion hearing until June 14, 2024.
Gambaryan, who had his bail denied in court last Friday, was supposed to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. But, despite being in police custody, correctional service officers failed to produce him on the original May 22 hearing.
In response to the judge’s questions about Gambaryan’s whereabouts, prosecution counsel Moses Idehu, appearing for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), said he had no idea why Gambaryan wasn’t present.
“My Lord, he was supposed to be produced from custody but I don’t know the reason he is not here. We have been trying to get to members of the correctional centre.”
Idehu notes it is unfortunate and claims that it is not his fault, advising that it is better to adjourn the hearing. Gambaryan’s legal counsel, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, faulted the prosecution for failing to bring Gambaryan, saying :
“I do not see any reason to stand down the matter. The prosecution cannot seriously be saying that a person they brought to court to answer a criminal charge and who is under the custody of the Federal government, whom he is representing.”
Ikwuazom refutes any notion that Idehu does not know why Gambaryan is in court, nor why Idehu is not at fault. He added that he is yet to see the amended charges against his client, which still include Anjarwalla in the suit, preventing the matter from going on.
“My lord within my own understanding of the law if the 3rd defendant is still mentioned, he still has to be arraigned before the matter can go on.”
Justice Nwite adjourned the case until June 14, 2024.
Tigran Gambaryan Denied Bail
With Binance having no presence in Nigeria and Anjarwalla believed to have fled to Kenya, Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, was forced to face the courts on his own and was denied bail, and on his 40th birthday no less.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja denied bail to Gambaryan. As per numerous local media outlets,
Justice Nwite ruled that Gambaryan was a flight risk and would also escape if given bail. Stating:
“I have carefully considered the affidavit evidence before me and I am of the view that the applicant will jump bail if granted bail,”
EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, also opposed the bail application, stating:
“The fact that the passport of the defendant is with the complainant does not also guarantee that he will remain in Nigeria. He is not only an American citizen, he was born in Armenia and has its citizenship by birth.”
Though he did not mention Anjarwalla by name, it is presumed that the Nigerian government would rather not suffer the embarrassment of another escape. Iheanacho adds:
“The experience we have had with the man who escaped to Kenya while his United Kingdom passport is in Nigeria will certainly repeat itself if this defendant is granted bail.”
The prosecution concluded that there was no credible evidence as to why Gambaryan should be granted bail. His team of defense lawyers, led by Mark Mordi, contended that the prosecution failed to place any evidence as to why his client posed a flight risk.
“The prosecution has not presented any credible evidence to establish why the defendant should not be granted bail,” the defense argued, adding that any claim of Gambaryan also planning to flee Nigeria was “hearsay, unreliable and inadmissible evidence.”
Gambaryan remains in the notorious Kuje Correctional Centre as proceedings continue. “This is purely a state-sanctioned hostage-taking,” the defense added.
Anjarwalla on the Run
On March 25, 2024, Anjarwalla, the Africa Regional Manager of Binance, escaped from custody and fled to Kenya after a month in detainment.
Following this, Nigerian authorities launched an extradition request through the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for Africa. Though this process is believed to have been completed, Anjarwalla’s true whereabouts remain unknown.
Reports of Anjarwalla’s arrest in Kenya were circulating, though local media outlets have found this false , as Kenyan authorities deny this development.
Bribery Claim
Binance CEO Richard Teng recently commented on the situation and explicitly called for Gambaryan’s immediate release, sparingly mentioning Anjarwalla.
However, one of the more pressing items in Teng’s blog post on the Nigerian debacle was an alleged bribery claim. According to Teng’s post, an unknown person approached Binance employees and requested a significant crypto payment to settle the matters outside of court.
This figure was later circulated by outlets to be between $140 million and $150 million. Whilst Binance denies any mention of a specific number or even the word “bribe,” Teng’s post does imply a secret backdoor payment or ‘hush money’ offer was made.
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