Following the release of embattled Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, the United States government has dispatched a medically equipped aircraft to evacuate him from Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the Nigerian government dropped the money laundering charges it had previously brought against Binance and its executives, including Gambaryan, who had been arrested during a business trip to Nigeria in February and held at the correctional facility since April.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed on Saturday that Gambaryan’s release was the result of “less confrontational” conversations between Nigerian and U.S. officials.
“A plane equipped with medical equipment departed Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, to bring him back to the U.S. for needed medical attention,” Sullivan stated.
The specifics of Gambaryan’s health condition were not disclosed, but his detention in Nigeria had raised concerns among his family, colleagues, and U.S. officials.
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has faced increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide over its operations and compliance with local laws. The company has been working to improve its regulatory compliance and strengthen its anti-money laundering measures.
The resolution of the case against Gambaryan and his return to the United States is expected to ease some of the tension between Binance and U.S. authorities, who have been investigating the company’s activities.
Neither Binance nor Gambaryan have provided any immediate comment on the developments. The U.S. State Department has also not released any further details about the negotiations that led to Gambaryan’s release or his current condition.