“This is So Fu**ed Up”: Binance Executive limps his way to court in Nigeria

As a researcher who has spent countless hours delving into the complexities of global judicial systems and the intricacies of cryptocurrency exchanges, I find myself deeply troubled by the plight of Tigran Gambaryan. The video that surfaced on September 2, 2024, was a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who find themselves ensnared in legal battles across borders.


After 214 days in Nigerian judicial detention, a video has surfaced showing Binance executive and U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan, visibly distressed as he uses a crutch, exclaiming his frustration with an expletive, “This is such a mess!”.

The one-minute video, slightly blurry, depicts Gambaryan asserting that a Nigerian authority figure pressured him to go to court prematurely, despite his obvious discomfort. He exclaims angrily, “He has been told not to aid me. He claims he’s received orders from above. Why can’t I use a darn crutch? I am an utterly innocent individual.”

“This is fvcked uppp”

Binance executive cries out in Nigerian court.

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) September 2, 2024

As reported by Binance and various U.S. officials, Gambaryan was arrested in Nigeria as early as February 2024, in legal action brought by the Nigerian government against the cryptocurrency exchange for violating regulations regarding compliance.

In simpler terms, Gambaryan, formerly the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, was reportedly lured into a meeting with Nigerian government officials in February. After this encounter, he was arrested and accused of unlawful financial activities on behalf of Binance.

Following over seven months in prison, Gambaryan’s defense attorney has recently filed an application for bail based on health concerns, stating that an urgent surgical procedure is needed on one of his limbs. A video circulating online shows him shouting at a Nigerian official on September 2nd, as he was being escorted to court for proceedings.

In simple terms, the defendant (Gamboja) faced a charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in their ongoing case.

Furthermore, health records suggested that the jailed executive’s condition could be more severe than initially shared. As per Gambaryan’s lawyer, essential medical documents like MRI scans are yet to be fully provided by prison officials, despite numerous requests. This lack of transparency has only amplified worries about Gambaryan’s health status.

The Trial History of Tigran Gambaryan

Tigran Gamburyan, a high-ranking executive at Binance, was arrested in Nigeria on February 2, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrest was related to alleged money laundering activities linked to Binance’s operations. However, this sudden arrest raised questions about procedural fairness and the legitimacy of the charges.

On numerous occasions, the trial has experienced procedural setbacks due to various factors. For instance, the unavailability of officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who were required to present vital documents. Consequently, the bail hearing for Gambaryan was pushed back further.

Due to the harsh conditions of his imprisonment, Gambaryan’s health has significantly worsened, and his relatives have expressed an immediate need for him to undergo surgery due to a herniated disc.

By September 2nd, 2024, the court case involving Tigran Gisborne had shown significant advancement. The defense team presented a renewed plea for bail, emphasizing the necessity of immediate medical procedures due to his urgent health concerns.

Despite the man’s assertion that his health condition is critical, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) considers it as not being particularly severe, displaying a surprising lack of compassion. The court has delayed its rulings on bail applications because of administrative hold-ups and the unavailability of Central Bank of Nigeria representatives.

Conclusion

1. The circumstances surrounding Gambaryan’s involvement with Binance and his lawyers’ struggles to access him adequately have drawn considerable focus. Moreover, according to his wife Yuki, Nigerian authorities have consistently dismissed Gambaryan’s health concerns, exacerbating the family’s anxiety.

Furthermore, a new court hearing is set for September 4, 2024, during which the judge will continue to review Gambaryan’s request for bail.

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2024-09-03 16:37