Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan's family calls for release, says he is 'mostly bedridden' as health worsens

Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan's health is quickly declining and is "mostly bedridden," according to a statement released by a communications firm representing his family. 

Gambaryan has a herniated disc in his back and needs surgery. He has also had throat infections, pnemunoia and needs surgery to remove his tonsils, the statement read.

"The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk," his wife Yuki Gambaryan said in a statement. "My once fit and healthy husband, who loves working out, is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed."

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen who oversees financial crime compliance at Binance, has been held in Nigeria since February. He and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, were detained following their arrival in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, on Feb. 26, amid accusations of Binance making illegal transaction profits locally. Criminal charges were filed against them on Feb. 28. Anjarwalla later escaped from custody on March 22.

Gambaryan's legal team has also been barred from entering Kuje prison to meet with their client, according to the statement.

Binance CEO Richard Teng has called on the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan and said Gambaryan was in Nigeria in his capacity as an expert in financial crime and to build upon policy discussions. 

The situation involving Binance in Nigeria began two years ago when Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission issued digital asset regulations requiring permits for crypto exchanges and said they needed to comply with certain requirements. Binance attempted to comply but faced unclear requirements and non-responsiveness from the SEC, according to Teng. In June 2023, the SEC accused Binance of operating illegally, leading to Binance suspending the solicitation of Nigerian investors.

Nigeria's SEC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday's statement. 

Lawmakers in the U.S. have urged for the release of Gambaryan. In June, a group of lawmakers sent a letter to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, asking them to treat the case as a hostage situation. 

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and 15 other lawmakers said Gambaryan has been refused adequate healthcare in prison and said they feared for his life.