Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has left Nigeria days after the Federal Government dropped money laundering charges against him.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange confirmed his departure in a statement on Thursday, October 24:
“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention.
“Gambaryan was released from Kuje prison last night. His health has deteriorated significantly while in prison, and he will now be able to receive the urgent medical attention he needs,” Binance stated.
Previously, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the money laundering charges brought against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). During the hearing, the EFCC noted that Gambaryan’s declining health had hindered the case’s progression, with reports from the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Office of the National Security Adviser indicating he was struggling to walk without a wheelchair.
Reacting to his release, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, shared her relief in a statement:
“It is an immense relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a nightmare. I wish his release had come sooner and his health hadn’t suffered so much, but we can now begin to heal as a family.
“I’m deeply grateful to the US government for securing his release and to everyone who supported us. There were times I feared this day might never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength.
“The journey to Tigran’s recovery will be tough, but I appreciate having the time and space to focus on it. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again,” she added.
Gambaryan was detained in February by Nigerian authorities alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan and Binance’s regional manager for Africa. Both faced $35 million money laundering charges. Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, 2024, while Gambaryan was arraigned on April 8.
