A Nigerian court adjourned the money laundering trial against cryptocurrency exchange Binance and two executives until July 5. The adjournment follows the cross-examination of the first witness from the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
During the hearing, it was revealed that Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, hasn’t received medical records despite a court order for their release. Gambaryan’s family claims his health is deteriorating due to a month-old hospital visit with no documented follow-up. The judge reiterated a demand for the medical records to be presented to Gambaryan’s lawyers by July 5th.
Gambaryan has been detained in Kuje prison since February alongside terrorism suspects. His family spokesperson alleges he suffers from back pain and foot numbness and has battled both double pneumonia and malaria while incarcerated.
“There’s no justification for his continued detention,” said Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife. “Evidence presented shows he wasn’t a decision-maker at Binance. Nigerian authorities must release my innocent husband.”
U.S. lawmakers recently visited Gambaryan and urged further action from the American government.
The trial is separate from a tax evasion case against Binance, which was adjourned until July 12 after charges against the two executives were dropped.
Binance declined to comment. CoinDesk reached out to Nigerian authorities for comment but received no response.
