Binance CEO Urges U.S. Action as Employee Faces Dire Conditions in Nigerian Prison
August 27, 2024Binance CEO Richard Teng has urgently called for U.S. government intervention in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance employee who has been detained in Nigeria since February.
Gambaryan, who was invited to Nigeria for a meeting, was arrested under unclear circumstances and is facing serious allegations, including money laundering and tax evasion.
Although the tax evasion charges against him have been dropped, Gambaryan still faces money laundering accusations, with his trial scheduled for September 2, 2024.
During his five-month detention at Kuje prison, Gambaryan's health has significantly deteriorated, reportedly contracting malaria and suffering from severe infections.
He is also dealing with extreme pain from a herniated disc, which has left him unable to walk without a wheelchair, a request that authorities have denied.
Gambaryan's family claims that Nigerian authorities have restricted access to his legal team, violating his constitutional rights and hindering his defense.
Members of Congress have expressed concern over Gambaryan's situation, with some visiting him in prison and urging the U.S. government to treat his case as a hostage situation.
Yuki Gambaryan has made emotional pleas to both the U.S. and Nigerian governments, emphasizing her husband's innocence and the urgency of his medical needs.
Despite court orders, Gambaryan has been denied adequate medical treatment and access to his medical records, raising serious humanitarian concerns.
Teng has expressed a willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities on developing the country's Web3 industry, contingent on resolving Gambaryan's case.
Binance is advocating for global awareness of Nigeria's detention practices and calling for Gambaryan's immediate release.
As of now, the U.S. government has not publicly commented on Gambaryan's detention, leaving many questions unanswered.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
CoinDesk • Aug 21, 2024
'Get Him Home': Binance CEO Urges Nigerian Government to Free Detained ExecCoinDesk • Aug 26, 2024
‘My Living Nightmare’: Detained Binance Exec’s Wife Begs for His Immediate ReleaseCoinDesk • Aug 27, 2024
Jailed Binance Exec's Nigeria Case to Be Heard a Month EarlyCointelegraph • Aug 27, 2024
Calls to release Binance exec intensify after 6 months in Nigerian detention