Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed as false the allegations regarding the poor conditions of Tigran Gambaryan, Vice President of Global Intelligence and Investigations at the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Binance Executive on Lawful Trial Has Access to Quality Medical Care — FG
It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is… pic.twitter.com/bwZf5IHFi0
— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) June 21, 2024
“The Binance executive has access to quality medical care. The Nigerian government has reviewed claims that Tigran Gambaryan is held in unpleasant conditions in Nigeria or that his health is deteriorating. We state that these accusations are false and should be ignored,” he wrote.
According to Idris, Gambaryan is lawfully detained and has access to quality medical care when necessary. He also has full access to consular services from his government, the minister clarified.
“The Federal Government will not do anything that jeopardizes his fundamental rights to a lawful trial and quality assistance, including healthcare,” Idris added.
The statements from Nigeria’s Minister of Information are related to recent claims by U.S. House Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who visited Gambaryan in prison.
According to them, the executive is suffering from malaria and bilateral pneumonia, has lost significant weight, and is being denied adequate medical care.
Previously, U.S. Congress members and a group of former American officials urged President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to assist in returning Gambaryan to his homeland.
In addition to tax evasion and money laundering, Nigerian authorities accuse Binance of conducting specialized financial activities without a license. The company potentially faces a $10 billion fine.
The exchange denies the charges and calls for the release of its employee.