US Commends Nigeria's Release of Binance's Gambaryan Due to Health Issues

US Commends Nigeria's Humanitarian Gesture

Gambaryan's detention sparked concern, particularly due to his...

US Thanks Nigeria for Releasing Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan on Humanitarian Grounds

The United States government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for releasing Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance Holdings Limited, from detention. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and compliance officer at Binance, had been held since February on charges of tax evasion and money laundering totaling $35 million, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Gambaryan's detention sparked concern, particularly due to his deteriorating health. He suffered from a herniated disc, malaria, and pneumonia, prompting repeated bail applications on health grounds. The U.S. government's appreciation for his release highlights the diplomatic efforts made on his behalf. In May, Binance CEO Richard Teng demanded Gambaryan's release, warning of the dangerous precedent it set for global businesses.

In June, U.S. lawmakers visited Gambaryan in prison, advocating for his release due to critical health issues. His release on humanitarian grounds marks a positive development in the situation. A Nigerian high court had scheduled a hearing for October 25 to receive an update on Gambaryan's health condition, but his release rendered that hearing unnecessary.

“I am pleased that American citizen and former US law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan has been released on humanitarian grounds by the Nigerian government and he is on his way back to the United States so that he can receive needed medical attention,” the US statement, signed by Jake Sullivan, read.

“As soon as we secured Mr Gambaryan's release, I called his wife Yuki to share this good news.

“I am grateful to my Nigerian colleagues and partners for the productive discussions that have resulted in this step and look forward to working closely with them on the many areas of co-operation and collaboration critical to the bilateral partnership between our two countries.”

Gambaryan's wife launched a heartfelt appeal for his release on medical grounds, highlighting his frail condition, evident in his wheelchair-bound court appearances.