Detained Binance exec in Nigeria can no longer walk, family says

The family of Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive detained in Nigeria, reports that his health has severely deteriorated, and he is being denied access to medical care.

In an Aug. 26 statement shared with CryptoSlate, his family expressed grave concerns about his health conditions and revealed that he is suffering from extreme pain due to a herniated disc, leaving him unable to walk.

The family stated:

“[Gambaryan] is now in so much pain from a herniated disc in his back that he can no longer walk. As he is bed-bound, he is having to take blood thinners to avoid blood clots and the prison doctor has said that his muscles have atrophied.”

His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, highlighted the inhumane conditions, stating that her husband is being denied the use of a wheelchair despite his worsening health.

She explained that Gambaryan is battling recurring bouts of malaria and pneumonia alongside the immense mental strain of his detention. She stressed that he needs urgent medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

Gambaryan has been held in Nigeria since Feb. 26. He is accused of money laundering, currency speculation, and tax evasion related to his work at Binance. Despite international calls for his release, he has now been in custody for six months.

Legal concerns

Meanwhile, the family alleges that the lack of a wheelchair has prevented Gambaryan from seeking support from the US embassy.

They further claim that Nigerian authorities barred his legal team from visiting him between July 26 and Aug. 14, which they argue violates the Nigerian constitution and prison regulations.

Though his legal team was later permitted a brief five-minute visit to prepare for trial, they were denied further access. This has hindered their ability to adequately prepare Gambaryan for his trial, which is set to begin on Sept. 2.

Gambaryan’s wife added:

“For 6 months, our living nightmare has been filled with pleas. Pleas to the US government, pleas to the Nigerian government, pleas to the media, pleas to anyone who will listen. I am pleading for their mercy, for their understanding, for their humanity. My husband is innocent and needs to be released before it is too late and the damage done to him is irreversible.”

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