Kehinde Fajobi
Tigran Gambaryan, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has returned to the United States after spending eight months in detention in Nigeria.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange confirmed his release in a statement 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,” Binance said.
Gambaryan’s release came after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.
During the court session, the EFCC acknowledged that Gambaryan’s deteriorating health had prevented them from proceeding with the case during the last adjournment.
A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, backed by the Office of the National Security Adviser, revealed that Gambaryan’s condition had worsened to the point that he could no longer walk without a wheelchair.
Reacting to his release, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her relief, saying, “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.”
She went on to thank those involved in securing her husband’s release: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the U.S. 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.”
Yuki added that the family’s priority is now on Tigran’s recovery: “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.”
Gambaryan had been detained by Nigerian authorities in February, alongside his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, who faced similar money laundering charges involving $35 million.
Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, 2024, while Gambaryan was arraigned in court on April 8.