Nigeria Trial Proceeds as Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Health Declines in Jail

The money laundering trial in Nigeria against Binance and two executives has been adjourned until July 5 following the cross-examination on Monday of the first witness from the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission. It was revealed in court that Tigran Gambaryan, head of financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange, has not had his medical records released by the prison where he is being held, despite multiple court orders. His health is deteriorating, and his family is concerned.

Justice Emeka Nwite has ordered that the medical reports be provided to Gambaryan’s lawyers by Friday. Gambaryan has been in detention in Nigeria since February, facing charges of money laundering. Another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who also faces charges, has since escaped custody.

Gambaryan’s family spokesperson expressed concern about his health, stating that he has experienced numbness in his foot and back pain, as well as suffering from double pneumonia and malaria while in prison. Tigran’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has called for his release, emphasizing that he was not a decision-maker at Binance and should not be detained.

U.S. members of Congress visited Gambaryan and have pushed for further action to be taken by the U.S. government. Binance is also facing a separate tax evasion case, with the trial being adjourned until July 12 after charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were dropped. Binance declined to comment on the situation, and inquiries were made to the Nigeria SEC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further information.