According to a report by The New York Times, the United States deployed a medical aircraft on Thursday to Nigeria to retrieve Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited, following his release from detention.
Gambaryan, a former U.S. law enforcement official and a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, was facing charges related to alleged money laundering.
However, due to his deteriorating health and diplomatic pressure, the Nigerian government decided to drop the charges, allowing him to return to the United States for medical treatment.
Gambaryan’s situation unfolded as part of Nigeria’s crackdown on Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, which has been under scrutiny in several countries. His detention began in February amid allegations of manipulating the Nigerian currency, the naira.
Alongside Gambaryan, Binance’s regional manager, Nadeem Anjarwalla, was also detained under similar charges. In a dramatic twist in March, Anjarwalla managed to escape the Office of the National Security Adviser’s (ONSA) custody and fled, leaving Gambaryan to face the charges on his own.
The U.S. Department of State, led by Secretary Antony Blinken, actively advocated for Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds. Blinken emphasized the strong partnership between Nigeria and the United States, thanking Nigerian authorities for their cooperation.
In his statement, he acknowledged the commitment both countries share to protect their citizens and highlighted that Gambaryan’s release was a testament to the effectiveness of U.S.-Nigeria relations.
The statement reads: “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. Our close law enforcement cooperation remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship, and the United States is committed to working closely with the Government of Nigeria to address mutual concerns and prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security advisor, also praised the outcome, expressing relief over Gambaryan’s return to the United States.
“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 and is on his way back to the United States so that he can receive needed medical attention,” Sullivan noted. He also confirmed that he personally informed Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, of the positive news, marking it a relief for Gambaryan’s family.
