The trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February, is set to resume on July 5.
Nigerian prosecutors, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are pursuing money laundering charges against Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped custody in March and is believed to have fled to Kenya.
According to a family spokesperson, Gambaryan’s legal team recently concluded the cross-examination of an EFCC witness on July 2. While the trial is moving forward, Gambaryan’s family has reported significant health issues, including double pneumonia, malaria, and severe aches, which have emerged during his detention.
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Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, has been in regular contact with the US State Department, the US Embassy in Abuja, Binance staff, and her husband’s legal representatives in Nigeria.
She expressed her concerns regarding the US government’s initial response to her husband’s situation but noted a recent increase in the government’s efforts and engagement. Yuki also stated:
In my eyes, it is evident any issues between Binance and the Nigerian authorities can and should be resolved without Tigran being caught in the middle.
Meanwhile, Anjarwalla is reportedly facing extradition back to Nigeria.
The charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla stem from their visit to Nigeria as Binance representatives. Initially, they faced tax evasion and money laundering accusations. However, Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service dropped the tax evasion charges in June, leaving only the money laundering case active.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, there has been significant criticism from US officials and interested parties regarding Nigeria’s handling of the situation, with many arguing that holding the executives accountable for the company’s alleged actions is unfair.
US Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan visited Gambaryan in Kuje Prison on June 20. They urged Nigerian authorities to drop the charges and release him immediately.
Additionally, Yuki Gambaryan has initiated a petition advocating for her husband’s return to the US, which has garnered 4,888 signatures at the time of writing, nearing its goal of 5,000. The petition’s results are expected to be presented to the US State Department, President Joe Biden, the EFCC, and the Nigerian government.
The family’s spokesperson highlighted the urgency of resolving this case, emphasizing the severe impact on Gambaryan’s health and well-being. With the trial set to resume, all eyes are on the Nigerian judiciary as they proceed with the case.
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