Utweets
Nigeria Seeks Prisoner Exchange for Detained Binance Executive on Trial for $35.4 Million Money Laundering Charges. The Federal Government of Nigeria is reportedly pursuing a potential prisoner exchange involving detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently facing trial for money laundering charges amounting to $35.4 million. Gambaryan, a former top investigator at Binance, was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in large-scale financial crimes linked to cryptocurrency transactions. ...READ THE FULL STORY FROM SOURCE ↔️
During a recent court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings to October 25 for an update on Gambaryan’s health condition, following his absence at the scheduled trial continuation. The executive was reportedly receiving medical treatment for a serious illness, and the court was informed that he could not be produced for the hearing.
The prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, confirmed that Gambaryan was under medical care, with further details pending from the correctional facility. In response, the defense team, led by Mark Mordi (SAN), requested a short adjournment to provide a comprehensive report on Gambaryan’s health.
Mordi had previously applied for Gambaryan’s bail on medical grounds, citing a need for surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression. However, the court rejected the bail application, ruling that the Nigerian Correctional Service could manage his health conditions. Justice Nwite did order that Gambaryan be transferred to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment under strict security supervision.
As the trial continues, reports suggest that Nigerian authorities are considering a prisoner exchange as part of broader negotiations related to international financial crime and cooperation. The details of any potential exchange remain undisclosed, but the case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of cryptocurrency and financial crimes on a global scale.
The court is expected to reconvene on October 25 to assess Gambaryan’s health status and determine the next steps in the ongoing legal proceedings.
