On October 11, COINOTAG reported significant developments regarding Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria. Following a court hearing, a bail decision originally slated for September was postponed, reflecting ongoing legal challenges. Gambaryan’s attorney has filed a new application for bail, citing severe health issues, including complications from malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her exhaustion and disappointment but reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for her husband’s release.
The situation has drawn attention from U.S. officials, with reports indicating that the U.S. government has taken steps to encourage Nigerian authorities to reconsider Gambaryan’s detention. Notably, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged with Nigerian counterparts on this pressing matter. Diplomats stress that Gambaryan’s continued imprisonment raises humanitarian concerns, particularly given his deteriorating health conditions exacerbated by a lack of proper medical care.
Gambaryan’s initial visit to Nigeria in February aimed to discuss Binance’s operations; however, legal troubles ensued after local authorities accused the firm of undermining the Nigerian economy. Although tax evasion charges have been resolved, further allegations related to money laundering persist, complicating Gambaryan’s legal struggles.