Binance CEO Voices Concern Over Detained Executive’s Deteriorating Health
Chief Executive Officer of Binance, Richard Teng has expressed alarm over the health of a top-ranking executive, Tigran Gambaryan who has been detained in Nigeria. Teng in a blog post this week, described Gambaryan’s condition as “dire” and implored the Nigerian government to have him flown home for urgent medical attention.
Binance Executive In Worsening Health, Richard Teng Says
Gambaryan, who was the head of compliance at Binance, has had to spend six months in custody, where his health is quickly deteriorating. Gambaryan is now “unable to walk due to a herniated disc” and in “severe pain”, Teng wrote. Gambaryan had charges of money laundering filed against him, and he is set to start trial on September 2nd. Teng said proceedings have been unfair and Gambaryan hasn’t had sufficient access to lawyers.
Teng further said, despite the court order, Nigerian government has refused to release Gambaryan’s medical records to further complicate his treatment and legal defense.
“I am deeply concerned about the long-term, possibly irreversible physical and mental impact this horrific episode is having on Tigran”, said Teng, adding a plea for Gambaryan to be allowed to return to the U.S. on humanitarian grounds for proper medical treatment.
Will Tigran Gambaryan Be Granted Release?
The detention of Gambaryan, with fellow Binance employee Nadeem Anjarwalla, has raised several international concerns, considering the fact that their mission in Nigeria was to discuss crypto policy. To add insult to injury, both were reportedly promised “safe passage”. Aside from the broad controversy, personal concerns have also arisen since his arrest. Gambaryan has developed Malaria and double pneumonia and is in poor health. For his part, U.S. lawmakers French Hill and Cynthia Houlahan, who visited Gambaryan, have also expressed concern over Gambaryan’s treatment.
Speaking to this need for intervention by the U.S. government, Teng said, “It is my sincere hope that the American government and political apparatus can exert its political will and muscle to bring Tigran home soon”. He has pressed the U.S. administration to declare Gambaryan as an “unlawfully detained” citizen, which might quicken his release.
With Gambaryan’s case going into trial, eyes are still on Nigeria, waiting to see whether justice will be truly served and the much-needed humanitarian relief afforded this Binance executive.
