Binance executive collapses during Nigeria trial for money laundering
Gambaryan missed a court appearance on tax evasion charges but attended the money laundering trial on the same day.
Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently detained in Nigeria, collapsed in the Federal High Court in Abuja during his trial for alleged foreign exchange violations and money laundering offenses brought against him by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to local media, Mark Mordi, Gambaryan’s legal representative, notified the court on May 22 that his client had been unwell since the previous trial date and was still experiencing health problems.
Gambaryan previously failed to appear in court on the same day on a separate arraignment for tax evasion charges brought by the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). However, he made it to court for the money laundering charges.
During the money laundering court proceedings, the court registrar called the case. Gambaryan failed to respond and remained seated in the back row. Judge Emeka Nwite, noticing his absence, asked for clarification. In response, Gambaryan’s defense lawyer assisted him to the dock.
