Binance CEO Richard Teng has accused the Nigerian federal government of denying adequate medical care to the company’s executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained for six months on charges of money laundering.
News About Nigeria reported that Gambaryan and the now-absconded Nadeem Anjarwalla are accused of conspiring to conceal the origins of financial proceeds from illegal activities in Nigeria, amounting to $35.4 million.
In a statement to newsmen on Tuesday, Teng revealed that Gambaryan’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention, to the point where he is now unable to walk due to a herniated disc.
Teng criticised the government for failing to provide basic medical care, including access to a wheelchair, and for restricting Gambaryan’s access to legal counsel, despite a trial scheduled to begin on September 2—a move Teng claims is unconstitutional in Nigeria.
Additionally, Teng stated that despite a court order demanding the release of Gambaryan’s medical records, the government has not complied, and this week Gambaryan was denied access to his U.S. consulate representative.
“Furthermore, they are refusing to provide access to his legal counsel, despite a trial commencing on September 2, which we have been informed is unconstitutional in Nigeria. A court has demanded the government release Tigran’s medical records, but after several months, they have still not complied. This week, Tigran was denied access to his US consulate representative. These actions are inexplicable.
“I am deeply concerned about the long-term, potentially irreversible physical and mental impact this horrific episode is having on Tigran,” Teng said.
He called on the Nigerian government to allow Gambaryan to return home to his family on humanitarian grounds so he could receive proper medical treatment in the U.S. and recover his health.
