Binance Executive Departs Nigeria After Money Laundering Charges Dropped Amid Health Concerns

Tigran Gambaryan, the Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, has left Nigeria following the Federal High Court’s dismissal of money laundering charges filed against him by Nigerian authorities.

His departure, confirmed by Binance on Thursday, October 24, comes after eight months of detention in Kuje prison, where he reportedly suffered severe health deterioration.

 

The charges were initially filed by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, of money laundering in connection with $35 million in alleged illicit transactions.

While Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa at Binance, escaped custody in March, Gambaryan remained detained and was formally arraigned in court on April 8.

 

The EFCC, in a statement at the Wednesday hearing, noted that Gambaryan’s worsening health condition had prevented him from standing trial.

Reports indicated that his condition had severely declined during his detention, making it difficult for him to walk without assistance.

The court acknowledged these health issues in its dismissal of the charges, allowing Gambaryan’s return to the United States.

 

His wife, Yuki, expressed relief and gratitude in a public statement, acknowledging the support of the U.S. government in advocating for his release.

“The past eight months have been a nightmare,” she said, stressing the physical and emotional toll on Gambaryan and their family. “Our focus now is on his recovery.”

 

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, welcomed Gambaryan’s release and return, noting that he can now pursue much-needed medical care. The high-profile case has drawn international attention, further highlighting the complex regulatory and legal issues that cryptocurrency companies face globally.