Binance executive leaves Nigeria after 8-month in detention

Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has departed Nigeria after eight months of detention.

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange made the disclosure in a statement shared with press on Thursday.

“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention.

“Gambaryan was allowed to leave Kuje prison last night. His health has suffered significantly while in prison. He will now be able to finally receive the medical attention he desperately requires,” the exchange said.

The development followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, which dismissed the money laundering charges brought against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

During the court session, the EFCC explained that the case could not proceed at the last adjourned date due to Gambaryan’s declining health.

A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, indicated that Gambaryan’s condition had worsened to the extent that he could hardly walk without the aid of a wheelchair.

Reacting to the development, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her relief at his release.

“It is a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a living nightmare. I wish it hadn’t taken this long for his release or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the US government for their efforts in securing his release. I also want to thank everyone who helped us throughout this ordeal. There were moments I feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength.

“The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult, and I appreciate being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again,” she stated.

In February, Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British-Kenyan who serves as the regional manager for Africa at Binance.

Both were charged with money laundering involving $35m, as initiated by the anti-graft agency.

While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody on March 22, 2024, Gambaryan was arraigned in court on April 8.