Detained Binance executive, Gambaryan freed, departs Nigeria to seek medical attention

After a lengthy detention, which resulted in his health significantly deteriorating as confirmed by his wife and prison officials, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan has been granted freedom and has left Nigeria for the US to reunite with his family and receive medical treatment.

Gambaryan was apprehended alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla in February by the anti-graft agency on charges of money laundering to the tune of $35m.

After their arrest, Anjarwalla who serves as regional manager for Africa escaped custody on March 22, 2024, while Gambaryan was arraigned in court on 8 April.

The disclosure of his release was shared by Binance. The statement said, “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”.

Before his release, his wife had repeatedly begged for his release, citing his declining health as a factor.

It was reported that he could hardly walk and could only attend court sessions with the aid of a wheelchair.

The report was further confirmed after a review by the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, indicated that Gambaryan’s condition had taken a more serious down-turn.

The EFCC at the court proceeding, also noted that due to his health condition, the case could not proceed at the last adjourned date.

After careful examination, the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday dismissed the money laundering charges brought against Gambaryan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

After his release, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki reacted to the development, she expressed, “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”.