NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com) — Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and Binance executive, has faced severe health complications during his six-month detention in Nigeria. Since his arrest on Feb. 26, 2024, the Tigran Gambaryan detention has resulted in him developing a herniated disc, malaria, and pneumonia, leaving him unable to walk.
Despite his critical condition, Nigerian authorities have denied him proper medical care, including a wheelchair, forcing him to remain bedridden and dependent on blood thinners to prevent clots.
Nigerian officials have refused to release his medical records despite court orders, raising concerns about his treatment during the Tigran Gambaryan detention. The situation has prompted fears of irreversible damage to his health as his condition continues to worsen without adequate care.
Legal Barriers Threaten Fair Trial for Tigran Gambaryan
Severe legal challenges compound Gambaryan’s health struggles. Between July 26 and Aug. 14, his legal team was barred from visiting him, crippling their ability to prepare for his Sept. 2 trial.
These restrictions violate Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of access to legal counsel, further complicating the Tigran Gambaryan detention.
The consistent denial of legal representation raises doubts about the fairness of Gambaryan’s upcoming trial and the integrity of the judicial process. The U.S. Embassy’s inability to meet with him hampers efforts to secure his release, adding to the growing list of obstructions.
Despite pressure from U.S. officials and the cybersecurity community, the State Department has not designated Gambaryan as “wrongfully detained,” a status that could expedite his release. The delay may be due to Nigeria’s status as a U.S. ally, complicating the diplomatic response.
Binance CEO Richard Teng, in a blog post, condemned the detention as unjust, highlighting the government’s refusal to provide necessary medical care. He criticized the charges against Gambaryan as baseless and unnecessary, noting that similar issues with Binance have been resolved in other countries without such extreme measures.
Family’s Plea for Immediate Action
As the trial date looms, Tigran Gambaryan remains in a dire state, both physically and mentally. His wife has been vocal about the toll this detention has taken on their family, particularly their young children. Gambaryan has missed several family milestones, including his son’s first school day and 40th birthday.
Yuki has publicly pleaded for his release, expressing deep concern over his worsening health. She launched a “Bring Tigran Home” website to raise awareness, but her worries deepened after Tigran was denied legal counsel again before his Sept. 2 hearing.
Binance CEO Richard Teng echoed these concerns, urging the U.S. government and the international community to take decisive action before it is too late. Teng called on the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds and allow him to return to the U.S. for proper medical treatment.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has echoed these concerns, urging the U.S. government and the international community to take immediate action. He called on the Nigerian government to release Tigran Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds, allowing him to return to the U.S. for necessary medical treatment.