The ongoing legal battles surrounding Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan have been overshadowed by his concerning health status, as Nigerian prison authorities revealed that he is 'very sick'. This revelation postponed his trial once more, raising alarms initially voiced by his wife two months ago regarding his rapid health decline since his detention in April.
The trial of Gambaryan, embroiled in a significant money-laundering case, was again rescheduled to October 25 after his inability to appear in court due to his poor health. Originally slated for October 18, the court could not proceed. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, could not attend due to his medical condition, prompting Judge Emeka Nwite to delay the proceedings, allowing time for necessary medical intervention.
Judge Nwite ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to a hospital, allowing him up to two weeks of treatment under strict security watch. Charged with an alleged $35 million money laundering case, Gambaryan has been under Nigerian custody since February.
Gambaryan has been battling ailments including malaria and severe back pain. His wife Yuki raised concerns in August, highlighting his deteriorating health since his detention began in April. She warned that his declining condition could cause permanent damage, particularly affecting his mobility. Despite her appeals for his temporary release to avert further health decline, the court denied Gambaryan's bail request. The denial was based on a lack of evidence that the Nigerian Correctional Service could not manage his medical needs effectively.
The court's refusal to grant bail for medical treatment left Gambaryan’s wife in disbelief. A Binance spokesperson voiced dissatisfaction with the decision, accusing Nigerian authorities of holding Gambaryan unlawfully for over 220 days. Throughout social media channels, Binance has urged for his immediate release due to his critical health situation.
Further complicating the case, Binance CEO Richard Teng accused Nigerian authorities of seeking compliance with a "secret" deal as a means to resolve the legal predicaments they face. Nigerian officials, however, have denied these allegations, dismissing them as diversion tactics by the cryptocurrency exchange.
The unfolding situation highlights issues within Nigerian detention systems and the broader interplay of international business and legal ethics. The outcome of Gambaryan’s case could have significant implications for cross-border business practices and the treatment of foreign nationals in custody.
The complex dynamics between corporate responsibility and legal compliance are being scrutinized amid Gambaryan's ongoing trial and deteriorating health. The investment and cryptocurrency communities are watching closely, aware of the potential repercussions on the industry’s reputation.