Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan Departs Nigeria After FG Dropped Money Lauundering Charges

Tigran Gambaryan, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has left Nigeria just days after the Federal government dropped money laundering charges against him.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed his departure in a statement on Thursday, October 24.

The statement reads, “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.”

Earlier, on Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the money laundering charges filed against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the EFCC, the delay in the case was due to Gambaryan’s worsening health, which prevented him from attending previous court sessions.

Reports from the Nigerian Correctional Service and the National Security Adviser’s Office revealed that Gambaryan’s condition had deteriorated so severely he now relied on a wheelchair.

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed relief over his release, stating, “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’.’ 

Back in February, Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, over alleged money laundering involving $35 million.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan, managed to escape custody in March, while Gambaryan remained in detention, facing court proceedings in April.