After eight months in detention, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has finally left Nigeria. On Thursday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange disclosed this news in a statement to The PUNCH.
“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan departed Nigeria to reunite with his family following eight months of unjust detention,”
the statement read. “Gambaryan was released from Kuje prison last night. His health has suffered greatly during his detention, and he can now access the medical care he urgently needs.”
This outcome comes after a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, which dismissed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) charges of money laundering against him. The EFCC explained during the hearing that it could not proceed with the case at the previous court session due to Gambaryan’s deteriorating health. A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, backed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, revealed that his condition had worsened to the point where he required a wheelchair for mobility.
Reacting to his release, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed immense relief. “It’s a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months were like a nightmare. While I wish his release hadn’t taken this long or that his health hadn’t declined so drastically, we can now focus on healing together as a family,” she shared.
She further extended her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply thankful to the U.S. government for their efforts to secure his release, and to everyone who stood by us through this ordeal. There were times I feared this day would never arrive, but Tigran’s supporters kept me hopeful and strong. His recovery journey will be challenging, and I’m grateful for the time and space to prioritize that. Our children are eager to have their dad back.”
In February, Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan along with his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British-Kenyan who oversees Binance’s African operations. The two faced money laundering charges linked to $35 million, initiated by the EFCC.
While Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, 2024, Gambaryan remained detained and was formally charged in court on April 8.
