US Seeks Access to Binance Employee Imprisoned in Nigeria
U.S. authorities are reportedly seeking access to Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee currently imprisoned in Nigeria, according to local reports.
Gambaryan, who traveled to Nigeria in February with a colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, for regulatory discussions, was arrested and remains in custody. Anjarwalla managed to flee the country. Recent reports indicate that Gambaryan’s health has significantly worsened while in Nigerian detention, with concerns about his deteriorating physical condition, including severe pain from a herniated disc and inadequate medical care.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has criticized the treatment Gambaryan is receiving, calling it “inhumane” and demanding that he be allowed to return home for medical treatment and to be with his family.
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The U.S. embassy is now reportedly advocating for access to Gambaryan due to his status as a U.S. citizen and the serious health concerns surrounding him. An anonymous source suggested that while the U.S. is not actively lobbying, there is significant concern over Gambaryan’s well-being, particularly after his family raised the issue publicly in the U.S.
Despite claims from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that Gambaryan’s health issues, including his herniated disc, predate his imprisonment, he has also suffered from malaria and pneumonia while in custody.