The Binance vs. Nigeria saga intensifies as Tigran Gambaryan’s health deteriorates. The detained executive’s condition has been on a rapid decline since contracting malaria back in May. Since then, it’s been alleged that he had been denied the necessary medical treatment by authorities.
In the most recent development, a new alarming video of Gambaryan emerged, displaying the executive’s weak state and the harsh treatment he has received. The exchange’s CEO denounced the Nigerian authorities and urged Gambaryan’s immediate release.
Alarming Video Shows ‘Inhumane Treatment’ Of Binance Exec
On Tuesday, Binance’s CEO Richard Teng commented on the Nigerian authorities’ conduct towards Tigran Gambaryan. Teng replied to a video on X that recorded guards’ harsh treatment towards the executive as he tried to walk to court on Monday.
In the disturbing video, Gambaryan can be struggling to walk with crutches due to problems with his spine. After the guard refuses to assist him, Binance’s head of crime compliance questions the reason not to be given a wheelchair.
Moreover, the detained executive alleged that the guard “was told” not to help him. The officer accompanying him stated that Gambaryan had to “manage himself” and was okay enough to walk.
As he continued to struggle, Gambaryan repeatedly expressed his frustration and pain, stating that he was an innocent person and the whole situation was “f*cked up.”
Richard Teng shared the video, calling the executive’s treatment “inhumane.” The CEO demanded the end of this treatment and asked for Gambaryan’s immediate release, emphasizing that he should go home to receive the proper medical treatment.
The crypto community also expressed its repudiation of the situation in the replies. One community member called the executive’s harsh treatment “ridiculous,” noting that Gambaryan is likely “terrified and exhausted.”
Another X user questioned why he was being treated as a criminal and suggested that the “Nigerian Government are just using him as leverage,” a sentiment voiced before by Binance’s CEO.
As reported by Bitcoinist, Teng denounced how Nigerian authorities handled Binance’s case in late April. To the CEO, the government used a mid-level employee as a tool against the crypto exchange and claimed that this could “set a dangerous new precedent for all companies worldwide.”
Gambaryan’s Health Continues To Decline
Gambaryan’s health condition has been a pressing matter for his family and the community. The executive tested positive for malaria in May and was denied adequate medical assistance by the prison officers.
This resulted in the executive’s collapse in court on May 23. Following his health episode, a judge ordered that Gambaryan be sent to a hospital for proper treatment. However, a visit from US representatives revealed that his condition had worsened as he was still not receiving the necessary medical treatment despite the court’s ruling.
US representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan joined the voices calling for Gambaryan’s immediate release after seeing first-hand that the Binance executive was still suffering from malaria and double pneumonia by late June. During their visit, the politicians saw that he had lost significant weight and had not been taken to a medical facility.
The executive’s trial for money laundering resumed on September 2, 2024. Reports revealed that Gambaryan’s legal team made a bail application on medical grounds, as the records show that his deteriorating condition requires surgery.
However, the Economic and Financial Commission of Nigeria (EFCC) prosecutors filed a counter affidavit arguing that his health condition was “manageable” and not as critical as Gambaryan claimed. Ultimately, the court hearing for the bail application has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 4.
