Binance Trial Postponed Amid Medical Issues for Detained Executive and Allegations of Prison Discrimination

The trial against Binance and two executives for money laundering in Nigeria has been postponed until July 12. This decision was made after the cross-examination of the first witness from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday. Additionally, it was revealed that Tigran Gambaryan, one of the defendants, has not received his medical records from a hospital visit that occurred a month ago. Despite several court orders, the prison where Gambaryan is being held has not released the records. His health is reportedly deteriorating, as stated by his family.

Tigran Gambaryan, who heads financial crime compliance at Binance’s crypto exchange, has been detained in Nigeria since February. He is currently being held in Kuje prison alongside individuals linked to Boko Haram. Another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who also faces money laundering charges, managed to escape. Gambaryan’s family spokesperson mentioned that his health is worsening in detention and that he has complained of numbness in his foot and back pain. He has also had medical issues like double pneumonia and malaria while in prison.

Tigran’s wife Yuki stated that her husband has never been a decision-maker at Binance and there is no justification for his continued detention. She called on Nigerian authorities to release her innocent husband. U.S members of Congress have visited Gambaryan and are urging the U.S government to take further action. Binance remains the sole defendant in a tax evasion case with charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla dropped earlier this month.

The case will be adjourned until July 12 as per Justice Emeka Nwite’s order.

Binance declined to comment on this matter while requests for comments were made to Nigeria SEC and Economic Financial Crimes Commission by CoinDesk.