Resumption of Tigran Gambaryan’s Money Laundering Trial

Hearings resumed in Tigran Gambaryan’s money laundering trial on Monday, with the Binance executive entering the Abuja court on crutches, having been denied the use of a wheelchair, according to a family statement.

Gambaryan, held by Nigerian authorities for six months, has suffered a herniated disc and experienced health issues such as pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis. His lawyers have claimed that the conditions at Kuje prison have hindered their ability to prepare for his trial.

In court, Gambaryan appeared in visible pain and even broke down crying. His lawyers filed a new bail application based on medical grounds and access denial to their client.

Prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the bail application, asserting Gambaryan wasn’t unwell and had refused treatment, despite some medical records recommending immediate surgery. Allegations emerged that key parts of his medical record had been withheld.

In March, Gambaryan filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the EFCC for his human rights violations. During Monday’s proceedings, he expressed concern over his medical care and denied access to legal counsel and embassy representatives.

The judge ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair and mentioned that the bail application would continue when the trial resumes on Wednesday.

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her frustration over the enduring situation, highlighting the pain her husband is in and urging the U.S. Government to intervene. She decried the treatment and health denial, stating that the prison withheld medical records for months, with the released documents suggesting he needs surgery.

Binance CEO Richard Teng commented on a video showing Gambaryan struggling in the courtroom, calling for his humane treatment and medical attention.

Background

Gambaryan, a former Special Agent for the U.S. IRS and Binance’s Head of Financial Compliance, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, were detained upon arrival in Abuja on February 26, facing allegations of facilitating illegal transactions in Nigeria.

On February 28, criminal charges were filed against Binance and the executives, leading to a $35 million money laundering and tax violation indictment. Tax charges against the executives were dropped by June, leaving only the money laundering charges active. Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, while Gambaryan remained detained.

The Nigerian government previously refuted claims regarding Gambaryan’s healthcare, insisting he has access to quality medical care and consular services from the U.S.