Urgent Plea for U.S. Intervention: Wife of Binance Exec Appeals Amid Health Crisis in Nigerian Detention

Gambaryan’s Health at Risk

Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, is facing severe health issues while detained in a Nigerian prison. According to his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, he is suffering from a herniated disc that has left him unable to walk, along with frequent respiratory infections requiring tonsil removal. In a podcast episode of Designated, hosted by former CIA analyst Yaya Fanusie, Yuki pleaded for U.S. intervention, expressing growing concerns over her husband's health.

"The U.S. State Department needs to step in," Yuki urged, underscoring the urgency of his medical condition and the limited access to adequate care in the Nigerian facility.

The Detainment: Binance Executives in Nigeria

Tigran Gambaryan, along with fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, was detained in February during a business trip to Nigeria. Both were accused of profiting from illegal transactions in the country. Anjarwalla managed to escape in March, but Gambaryan remains in custody.

According to Binance’s CEO Richard Teng, the team’s meetings with Nigerian officials became increasingly tense. In a blog post, Teng revealed that demands for secret cryptocurrency payments were made, further complicating the situation. Gambaryan’s subsequent detention has been described as "hostile," leaving his family in distress.

U.S. Efforts to Secure Release

The U.S. government has begun taking steps to address the situation. A resolution, H.Res. 1348, introduced by Representatives Rich McCormick and French Hill, demands the Nigerian government release Gambaryan and provide him with unrestricted medical care. The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the resolution in July, and it is expected to be presented on the U.S. House floor once Congress resumes after the elections.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, a top Democrat on the committee, emphasized the importance of pressing the Nigerian government for Gambaryan's release. "The State Department is fully engaged in Mr. Gambaryan's case," Meeks stated, but voiced his frustration over the Nigerian government's lack of response.

A Family in Despair

Yuki Gambaryan shared her emotional struggles during the podcast, recalling the moment she learned about her husband's detention. After 24 hours without contact, she received a call from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, informing her of Tigran's arrest. The impact on their family, especially their children, has been profound.

Their 10-year-old daughter has been asking difficult questions about her father's prolonged absence, and Yuki struggles to find answers. “I don’t know how to explain the situation to her anymore,” Yuki said, revealing the heartbreaking conversations they have about her father’s situation.

Their 5-year-old son, though less aware of the full scope of the problem, misses his father deeply. A recent moment in the park, where he asked if his dad was on a passing airplane, left Yuki devastated. “It was heartbreaking,” she recounted.

Conclusion: A Plea for Immediate Action

With her husband's health rapidly declining, Yuki Gambaryan’s only hope lies in the U.S. government’s ability to intervene. As the resolution advances in Congress, time is running out for Tigran’s safe return. Yuki’s public appeal highlights not only the personal toll this ordeal has taken but also the urgent need for diplomatic resolution. The international community waits to see how the U.S. will navigate this complex situation in Nigeria, and whether justice for Tigran Gambaryan will be achieved.