Binance Boss Departs Nigeria After FG Drops Money Laundering Charges

Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, has left Nigeria after the Federal government dropped money laundering charges against him.

The cryptocurrency exchange announced his departure in a statement on Thursday, October 24.

“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,” the exchange said.

LIB previously reported that on Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Gambaryan’s money laundering accusations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. During the court hearing, the EFCC explained that the case could not be continued on the last postponed date due to Gambaryan’s declining health. The Nigerian Correctional Service and the Office of the National Security Adviser said that Gambaryan’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he could barely walk without the assistance of a wheelchair.

In a released statement, Yuki, Gambaryan’s wife, responded to the dismissal of his charges and his departure from Nigeria by expressing her happiness that he is now free.

“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.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the US 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.

“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,” she stated.

Gambaryan and his coworker, 37-year-old British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla, who is Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were arrested by Nigerian police in February. Following an investigation by the anti-graft agency, both were accused of money laundering $35 million. Gambaryan was arraigned in court on April 8, 2024, but Anjarwalla escaped arrest on March 22, 2024.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli