Binance Exec’s Wife Criticizes US Delayed Response In Nigeria Trial

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As an analyst with extensive experience in international business and human rights, I find the situation of Tigran Gambaryan deeply concerning. The allegations against Binance and its executives by Nigerian authorities are serious, but it is crucial that due process is followed, and individual rights are protected.

I began my journey in February, traveling alongside Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, our regional manager for Kenya, to Abuja for crucial meetings with Nigerian authorities. The economic climate was tense, with Nigeria grappling with a severe financial crisis at the onset of the year, evidenced by the naira’s collapse as its national currency.

The Nigerian authorities are investigating the cause of the naira’s depreciation and have implicated Binance in their probe. They claim that the crypto exchange is carrying out unauthorized transactions in Nigeria and contributing to the naira’s manipulation as well as enabling illegal financial activities. However, Binance has firmly denied these accusations, insisting that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Tigran Gambaryan’s Arrest and Initial Detention

As I prepared to embark on my journey to Abuja with my wife, I was presented with a seemingly insignificant choice: should I pack a small carry-on bag or a larger suitcase? Anticipating a short two-day trip, I opted for the former. Little did I know, this decision would lead to an unforeseen ordeal.

After obtaining a court order to keep him in custody for two weeks by the fourth day, his condition deteriorated significantly around the fifth week of his detention. Authorities seized his phone during this period and accused him of assisting with money laundering and tax evasion schemes. My concern grew as I watched my husband’s situation worsen despite our repeated appeals to the US government for intervention, which we believe was necessary due to the questionable nature of the charges against him.

Extended Imprisonment and Legal Battles

Following a six-week long imprisonment in Nigeria, Tigran was relocated to a medium-security facility. This prison was home to both Boko Haram and Islamic State extremists. The challenging circumstances and insufficient medical attention adversely affected Tigran, causing him to collapse during his trial in May, which could have been due to malaria. His legal representation has criticized the arrest as “state-approved kidnapping,” drawing attention to the gravity and unfairness of his prolonged detention.

Although a judge mandated that Tigran be moved to a hospital for medical treatment, he has unfortunately been deprived of necessary care. His trial has consequently been delayed until June 2023. During this period, Tigran missed crucial family moments such as his son’s fifth birthday celebration and pre-kindergarten graduation ceremony. To add to his distress, he also celebrated his 40th birthday in prison. Yuki, feeling shocked and pained by the situation, voiced her disbelief and concern, explaining that Tigran’s sole mistake was attending a meeting, which subsequently resulted in his unjust detainment.

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2024-06-08 12:17