Detained Binance executive lacks access to legal counsel amidst deteriorating health condition in Nigerian prison.
Tigran Gambaryan, the former head of financial crime compliance at Binance, was released from the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, after being incarcerated since July 26. His release came on humanitarian grounds, following negotiations involving the Biden administration and Nigerian officials.
Gambaryan's health has been a significant concern during his imprisonment. He has been diagnosed with a herniated disc, throat infections, and pneumonia. Despite the lack of publicly disclosed specific medical details, his release on humanitarian grounds suggests concerns about his well-being. Gambaryan returned home in August 2025, marking the end of his eight-month imprisonment in Nigeria.
The charges against Gambaryan were withdrawn by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), though they indicated they would continue pursuing cases against Binance itself. The ongoing court case has been adjourned till October 11, while the court goes on holiday.
Binance remains under prosecution in Nigeria with multiple continuing criminal cases, including a tax evasion trial now postponed to October 2025. Gambaryan’s release does not end the broader legal challenges facing Binance in Nigeria.
The situation surrounding Gambaryan's detention has been a subject of international attention. His wife, Yuki, has been appealing to the Nigerian government for his release to receive adequate medical treatment. Unfortunately, neither Yuki nor Gambaryan's legal team have been granted access to the prison.
Several US lawmakers have petitioned the US president, Joe Biden, to intervene and secure Gambaryan's release. The ongoing court case coincides with a new joint U.S.-Nigeria task force initiative targeting crypto crimes, indicating the issue remains a high-profile focus for Nigerian authorities.
Richard Teng, Binance's CEO, has complained about the Nigerian authorities' refusal to release Gambaryan. Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, another top official of Binance, flew into Nigeria on February 26 at the invitation of the Nigerian government. While Anjarwalla escaped custody a month later, Gambaryan remained and was subsequently charged.
Despite the court order, Nigerian officials have not released Gambaryan's medical records to his lawyers. This has been a source of concern for his legal team and his wife, who are eager to ensure he receives the necessary medical attention he needs.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to watch closely as the legal proceedings in Nigeria continue to unfold. Binance and its officials face ongoing challenges in the country, underscoring the complexities of the global crypto industry.
- Tigran Gambaryan, the former head of financial crime compliance at Binance, was released from Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, after being incarcerated since July 26.
- His health conditions, including a herniated disc, throat infections, and pneumonia, were significant concerns during his imprisonment.
- Gambaryan's wife, Yuki, has been appealing to the Nigerian government for his release to receive adequate medical treatment, but neither she nor his legal team have been granted access to the prison.
- The charges against Gambaryan were withdrawn by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but Binance remains under prosecution in Nigeria with multiple continuing criminal cases, including a tax evasion trial now postponed to October 2025.
- The ongoing court case coincides with a new joint U.S.-Nigeria task force initiative targeting crypto crimes, indicating the issue remains a high-profile focus for Nigerian authorities.
- Richard Teng, Binance's CEO, has complained about the Nigerian authorities' refusal to release Gambaryan's medical records to his lawyers, which is a source of concern for his legal team and his wife.
- The international community continues to watch closely as the legal proceedings in Nigeria continue to unfold, underscoring the complexities of the global crypto industry.
