Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Collapses in Court Amidst Dramatic Tax Evasion Trial

There was a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive embroiled in money laundering charges, suddenly collapsed in the courtroom, reportedly due to ill health.

The courtroom drama unfolded just as the trial was about to continue before Justice Emeka Nwite. When Justice Nwite asked for the whereabouts of the second defendant, Gambaryan, one of his defense lawyers helped him towards the dock. However, Gambaryan collapsed midway, prompting the lawyer to quickly assist him into a front-row seat.

Mark Mordi, SAN, Gambaryan’s lawyer, addressed the court, explaining his client’s inability to stand. He informed the judge that Gambaryan had been unwell and a written application had already been submitted to notify the court of his condition. “My lord, the case may not proceed today,” Mordi stated. Throughout the proceedings, Gambaryan remained slumped, leaning on the chair’s armrest.

Earlier in the week, Gambaryan missed his arraignment for tax evasion charges filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service against him, his fugitive colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, and their crypto-exchange firm, Binance Holdings Limited. His absence had previously stalled the process.

Adding to the tension, Justice Nwite recently denied Gambaryan’s bail application, agreeing with the EFCC’s argument that he posed a flight risk similar to Anjarwalla. Gambaryan, Anjarwalla, and Binance Holdings Limited face serious charges of money laundering and terrorism financing brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Currently, Gambaryan is held at Kuje Correctional Centre.

When the court registrar called the case, Gambaryan, seated in the back row, did not step forward, further heightening the tension in the courtroom.

Gambaryan collapsed, and his lawyer quickly assisted him into a front-row seat.

Mark Mordi, SAN, Gambaryan’s lawyer, explained to the court why his client couldn’t stand when the case was called. He informed the judge that Gambaryan had been unwell and that a written application had been submitted to notify the court of his condition. “My lord, the case may not certainly proceed today,” Mordi stated.

Throughout the proceedings, Gambaryan remained slumped, resting on the arm of his chair.

Previously, Gambaryan missed his arraignment on tax evasion charges filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service against him, his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla (currently on the run), and their crypto-exchange firm, Binance Holdings Limited. His absence had stalled the arraignment.

At the last sitting, Justice Nwite dismissed Gambaryan’s bail application, agreeing with the EFCC’s assertion that he posed a flight risk, similar to Anjarwalla.

Gambaryan, Anjarwalla, and Binance Holdings Limited face charges of money laundering and terrorism financing brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Gambaryan is currently remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.