Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been denied bail by a Nigerian judge, according to a family spokesperson. Gambaryan has been detained in Nigeria since February and is being held in the notorious Kinje prison, where he has been housed alongside members of the terrorist group Boko Haram.
Gambaryan, along with Binance, was initially charged with tax evasion and money laundering, though the tax charges were later dropped. His attorneys had filed a new bail application, citing his deteriorating medical condition.
Gambaryan's lawyer, Mark Mordi, told the court that the executive has needed surgery since July 18 and requires urgent medical assistance that cannot be provided in the prison. Mordi also stated that Gambaryan has developed malaria, pneumonia, and tonsillitis, and is suffering from complications tied to a herniated disc in his back, which has left him in need of a wheelchair.
Gambaryan's wife, Yuki Gamabryan, expressed her disappointment with the court's decision, saying, "It is completely unjust to deny someone in Tigran's condition the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help, and I just pray that when he is finally released that the damage he is suffering is not permanent."
The denial of bail for Gambaryan, who is facing serious health challenges, has raised concerns about the fairness and humanitarian considerations in the Nigerian justice system. The international community will be closely watching to ensure that Gambaryan receives the necessary medical attention and that his fundamental rights are protected.