Tigran Gambaryan, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has departed Nigeria after being detained for eight months. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed his release in a statement issued on Thursday. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, was freed from Kuje Prison following a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed the money laundering charges brought against him by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Gambaryan’s health had significantly deteriorated during his time in prison, and he was reportedly unable to walk unaided upon release. The EFCC had informed the court that it was unable to proceed with the case at a prior adjourned date due to his worsening condition. A review by the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Office of the National Security Adviser highlighted the severe decline in his health, prompting calls for immediate medical attention.
Expressing relief over the development, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, shared her gratitude for his release, describing the past eight months as a “living nightmare.” She thanked the U.S. government for supporting his case and acknowledged friends and supporters who stood by her family. “The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult,” she said, adding that their children eagerly await his return.
Gambaryan was initially detained in February 2024, alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan who serves as Binance’s regional manager for Africa. Both men faced money laundering charges tied to a $35 million investigation led by the EFCC. Anjarwalla, however, escaped custody on March 22, leaving Gambaryan to face trial alone until his release.
With Gambaryan’s departure, Binance has renewed calls for fair treatment and transparency in legal matters involving its staff.
