Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive who was detained in Nigeria on charges of money laundering, has finally left the country after the charges against him were dropped. According to a family spokesperson, Gambaryan was released from Kuje prison and has exited Nigeria. A U.S.-based lawyer on his legal team confirmed that he is currently in transit.
During his time in prison, Gambaryan’s health deteriorated significantly. He was denied bail multiple times, but was eventually granted release to seek medical treatment abroad. The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecutor stated in court that the case against Gambaryan was being discontinued due to his status as an employee of Binance Holdings Limited and for international diplomatic reasons.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed immense relief at his release after enduring a “living nightmare” for the past eight months. She thanked the U.S. government for their efforts in securing his freedom. Upon his release, Gambaryan is on his way back to the U.S. to receive much-needed medical attention. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that Gambaryan was released on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health conditions, which included malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and other complications.
Richard Teng, the CEO of Binance, expressed gratitude and relief at Gambaryan’s release, acknowledging the difficult ordeal he had faced during his detention in Nigeria. However, Binance still faces legal challenges in Nigeria, with ongoing trials related to money laundering and tax evasion.
The support and efforts of Gambaryan’s family, legal team, and the U.S. government were instrumental in securing his release. The case highlights the challenges faced by individuals caught up in legal issues in foreign countries and the importance of diplomatic interventions in such situations.
It is crucial to ensure that individuals receive fair treatment and access to necessary medical care, especially in cases where their health is at risk. The resolution of Gambaryan’s case demonstrates the impact of international cooperation and advocacy in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals facing legal challenges abroad.
