Binance Begs FG: Release Gambaryan, Let’s Settle

World’s largest cryptocurrency trading platform, Binance Holdings Limited, has said they are ready to settle any lingering issues with the Nigerian Government.

Binance urged the Nigerian authorities to release its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan, assuring the government that the company will enter a constructive dialogue in a bid to resolve all issues.

The WHISTLER had reported that Gambaryan appeared in court on Monday, in continuation of his trial.

However, the sitting was stalled as the CBN failed to produce all the documents required in the hearing of the ongoing money laundering trial against the fintech company, Binance Holdings Limited and its executives.

Upon arrival at the court premises, Gambaryan was denied a wheelchair and had to enter the court on crutches, visibly in pain and distressed.

Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, informed the court that he had on August 28, 2024, filed a fresh bail application, saying his client’s health was deteriorating, as he cannot walk without crutches.

This claim was countered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which claimed that Gambaryan I’ll health was not as bad.

Binance, in a statement on Tuesday released by its spokesperson, said the “A video circulating shows the mistreatment and pain he’s enduring. The judge ordered that Tigran be allowed to use a wheelchair, with the bail hearing continuing on September 4th. We are sharing an official statement from Binance on this matter.

“We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This video is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality. His health is rapidly declining and we are deeply concerned about the long term consequences of this unjust detention.

“Nigeria does not need to keep Tigran in order for us to settle any alleged past issues. We continue to implore the Government of Nigeria to let Tigran return home and let us continue in our engagements.

“Our recent resolutions with Brazil and India demonstrate how historical issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue and adherence to legal standards. This is the international standard of doing business.”

Gambaryan was one of two Binance executives arrested on arrival in the country on February 26, 2024, after being accused of money laundering through their platform and has been in custody ever since.

His colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the regional manager for Binance in Africa, on March 24, escaped from custody using a smuggled passport.

However, the family have continued to plead for Gambaryan’s release on health grounds, expressing fear he might not be able to walk again