U.S. Plane Evacuates Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan from Nigeria After Charges Dropped
In a diplomatic intervention, the United States deployed a plane with medical equipment on Thursday to evacuate Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited, from Nigeria after money laundering charges against him were dismissed by the Nigerian government. This decision followed an extensive collaboration between both nations, facilitated by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and came after Gambaryan’s prolonged detention due to alleged financial misconduct involving the naira.
The Federal Government of Nigeria withdrew the charges against Gambaryan on Wednesday, citing his deteriorating health and international diplomatic considerations. Gambaryan had been held since February, alongside Binance’s regional manager, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who reportedly fled Nigerian custody in March. Gambaryan, however, remained to face the charges until his recent release.
Expressing gratitude for the development, Secretary of State Blinken noted, “The United States thanks the Government of Nigeria for releasing U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan on medical grounds, allowing him to return to the United States to receive the specialized medical care he requires. This positive outcome demonstrates the strength of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and highlights our shared commitment to working together to advance our common interests.”
Similarly, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan praised the decision, revealing that he had notified Gambaryan’s wife of the positive outcome. “I am pleased that American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan has been released on humanitarian grounds by the Nigerian Government,” Sullivan said. He emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria, underscoring their commitment to safeguarding mutual interests and the well-being of their citizens.
Gambaryan’s release marks a significant diplomatic milestone and reinforces the collaborative efforts in law enforcement between the United States and Nigeria.