US wants access to Binance exec in Nigeria over health concerns, report

The US wants access to the detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, citing concern for his health as he remains imprisoned in Nigeria, according to a senior Nigerian official speaking to local media. 

Punch media reported yesterday that a senior official from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke to the outlet on the condition of anonymity. 

The unnamed official claimed that the US is concerned about Gambaryan’s health, “especially now that his family has gone public in the US with the matter,” (emphasis ours) and is seeking consular access. 

They said, “I would not say they are lobbying, they are just concerned that they are not being granted access to the man (being a US citizen). Remember that Binance had their issue in the US as well.”

Read more: Binance exec accused of tax evasion flees Nigeria during mosque visit

Consular access involves government officials, in this case representing the US, communicating with imprisoned nationals to check on their welfare, ensure legal representation, and medical care, or even provide reading material. It is a mutual obligation, “based in treaties between the U.S. government and foreign governments.”

Nigeria prosecution say Binance exec is exaggerating illness

Gambaryan was arrested in February 2024 and charged with money laundering. According to his lawyer, “his health has continued to deteriorate while in prison custody.” A bail request was filed last week, which the courts will reportedly decide on next month.

However, a member of the prosecution counsel is attempting to counter this bail application. They claimed that Gambaryan was exaggerating his illness. Nigerian officials have also accused Gambaryan of refusing medical treatment. 

Last week he was filmed screaming, “This is f*cked up. Why couldn’t I use a goddamn wheelchair?” at Nigerian prison staff. Afterward, the court ordered prison staff to provide Gambaryan with a wheelchair.  

Binance CEO Richard Teng said last Wednesday, “He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family,” and called his treatment in Nigeria “inhumane.”

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