In a notable diplomatic gesture, US President Joe Biden has extended his gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a high-ranking executive at Binance.
President Biden took to X to share his appreciation, stating, “Earlier, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria to express my condolences on the floods impacting his country and my appreciation for his leadership in securing the humanitarian release of Tigran Gambaryan.”
The news and tweet from President Biden, confirmed the end of a saga that began in February when Gambaryan and Binance’s regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained in Nigeria. While Anjarwalla reportedly escaped custody weeks later, Gambaryan remained incarcerated, facing money laundering charges that were ultimately dropped a day before his release.
Gambaryan’s detention sparked international concern, with eighteen US State Attorneys General urging President Biden to intervene, citing the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
In a joint letter, Attorney General John Formella voiced concerns about Gambaryan’s “unlawful detention” and “worsening health conditions,” stating, “His continued detention without cause is not only a violation of his rights but also poses a severe risk to his health and well-being.”
Reports of Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, including a severe throat infection, double pneumonia, and malaria, fueled calls for his release. A viral video showing Gambaryan struggling to walk and being denied assistance by a prison guard further intensified public outcry. His lawyer, Mark Mordi, had filed a bail application on medical grounds, citing the need for urgent orthopaedic and psychiatric care.
Following his release, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed immense relief, describing the past eight months as a “living nightmare” and thanking the US government for their efforts. Binance CEO Richard Teng echoed this sentiment, praising Gambaryan’s “immense strength” and resilience.
He emphasised Binance’s commitment to collaborating with global regulators, stating, “We are eager to put this episode behind us and continue working toward a brighter future for the blockchain industry around the world.”
While the exact details of the U.S. government’s involvement remain unclear, various groups, including members of the House of Representatives and former federal agents, had been pressuring the Nigerian government for Gambaryan’s release.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Biden to prioritise Gambaryan’s case, highlighting his past service with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and his contributions to seizing billions of dollars for the U.S. government. A separate letter from over 100 former prosecutors and federal agents described Gambaryan as “effectively held hostage in deplorable conditions.”
The #FreeTigran campaign on social media, driven by family, friends, former colleagues, and the crypto community, also played a significant role in raising awareness and applying pressure.
For now, Binance is focused on Gambaryan’s health and recovery. Whether he will share his experiences in Nigerian custody remains to be seen.
