Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan Departs Nigeria

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13 days ago

Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who had been detained in Nigeria on money laundering charges, has left the country after the charges were dropped.
"He’s in the air," a U.S.-based lawyer from Gambaryan’s legal team told CoinDesk.
A family spokesperson confirmed to CoinDesk on Thursday that Gambaryan was released from Kuje prison the previous night and then departed from Nigeria.
While in prison, Gambaryan’s health deteriorated. His bail requests were denied, but on Wednesday, his release to seek medical treatment abroad was approved.
In court, a prosecutor from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission explained, "The government has reviewed the case, and considering the second defendant (Mr. Gambaryan) is an employee of the first defendant (Binance Holdings Limited), whose involvement carries more weight, and for critical international and diplomatic reasons, the state is seeking to drop the charges against the second defendant."
His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, who had been campaigning for his release, expressed relief. "It’s a huge relief that this day has finally come. The last eight months have been a living nightmare," she said, thanking the U.S. government for its efforts in securing his freedom.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed Gambaryan's release on humanitarian grounds and stated that he was on his way back to the U.S. for medical treatment. During his time in prison, Gambaryan contracted malaria, pneumonia, and tonsillitis, with complications leaving him dependent on a wheelchair.
"We are deeply relieved and grateful that Tigran Gambaryan has finally been released after enduring nearly eight months of detention in Nigeria," said Binance CEO Richard Teng in a statement.
Despite Gambaryan's release, Binance still faces two ongoing trials in Nigeria: one related to money laundering and another concerning tax evasion.

Photo: (Shutterstock/Consensus)