The Nigerian Correctional Service was unable to present Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Chief Financial Crime Officer, in court on Friday, October 18, due to serious health concerns. This failure to produce Gambaryan has raised questions about his current state of health and the conditions of his detention.
Gambaryan, who has been detained for 232 days on money laundering charges linked to Binance, has reportedly fallen “very sick,” according to correctional officials. His worsening health condition has sparked concern among his legal team and supporters, as they fear his health is declining rapidly under the strain of prolonged detention.
The absence of Gambaryan has delayed the continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution’s second witness in this high-profile case, which has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
Tigran Gambaryan has faced a series of health crises since his arrest earlier this year. His legal team confirmed that he has been battling severe malaria, pneumonia, and complications from a pre-existing herniated disc condition. The 45-year-old executive collapsed in court in May 2024, raising alarm about his ability to endure the harsh conditions of detention.
According to officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Gambaryan’s deteriorating health has left him bedridden and reliant on a wheelchair. He is reportedly unable to stand for extended periods or participate in court proceedings. Despite these concerns, his second request for bail was denied by the court earlier, citing the seriousness of the charges against him.
“Mr. Gambaryan is in no condition to stand trial in his current state,” said one member of his defense team, who wished to remain anonymous. “The court must consider his health situation seriously. No human being should suffer like this.”
The defense lawyer stressed that denying Gambaryan medical treatment could result in tragic consequences. He also pointed out that the court has a responsibility to ensure that detainees, regardless of their charges, receive proper medical care and are fit enough to face legal proceedings.
Gambaryan’s absence during Friday’s hearing initially caused confusion in the courtroom. Officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service could not immediately account for his whereabouts, leading to speculation among the defense and observers about the nature of his health condition.
When it was finally revealed that Gambaryan was too ill to attend court, Judge Amina Yakubu expressed concern over the situation. She ordered the correctional service to provide a detailed medical report on Gambaryan’s condition, emphasizing that the court needed to be fully informed to make any decisions regarding his continued detention or the need for specialized treatment.
Observers in the courtroom noted the growing tension between the prosecution and defense teams, with both sides eager for the case to proceed but concerned about the human rights implications of Gambaryan’s deteriorating health.
Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal law enforcement officer who joined Binance as Chief Financial Crime Officer, was arrested in February 2024 by the federal government. He was accused of being involved in a multi-billion-dollar money laundering scheme, allegedly facilitated by Binance’s platform.
Binance itself has been facing increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia, for allegedly failing to implement adequate anti-money laundering controls. Nigerian prosecutors argue that Gambaryan, in his role at Binance, played a central part in enabling money laundering activities that benefited criminals and undermined financial institutions.
The charges against Gambaryan include facilitating the laundering of funds through cryptocurrency exchanges, bypassing regulatory oversight, and failing to report suspicious transactions. Prosecutors have described him as a key figure in Binance’s alleged complicity in global money laundering operations, although Binance has publicly denied any wrongdoing and has stated that it complies with local and international laws.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Gambaryan’s defence team has consistently argued that he is being unfairly targeted and that the charges are politically motivated. His lawyers maintain that he has not committed any crime and that the case is part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency businesses.
