‘We are relieved’ — Binance reacts as Gambaryan leaves Nigeria

Richard Teng, the chief executive officer of Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange, says the company is relieved that Tigran Gambaryan, its head of financial crime compliance, has been released from prison by the Nigerian government.

In April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Binance and Gambaryan on allegations of money laundering.

Gambaryan has been in detention since February following the clampdown on Binance over alleged manipulation of the Nigerian currency.

On Wednesday, EFCC told the court the anti-graft agency was dropping its case against Gambaryan due to some reasons, including critical international and diplomatic reasons.

In a post on X on Thursday, Teng praised Gambaryan for his resilience during the eight-month period.

“We are deeply relieved and grateful that Tigran Gambaryan has finally been released after enduring nearly eight months of detention in Nigeria,” Teng said.

“Throughout this difficult period, Tigran has shown immense strength, and we commend his resilience in the face of such severe adversity. We are deeply thankful to everyone who dedicated countless hours to support Tigran’s release.

“Tigran’s health and well-being remain our top priority, and we are thankful he can now receive the medical care and rest he so urgently needs alongside his family.”

In another statement by his family, Yuki, Gambaryan’s wife, appreciated the United States government for its efforts in securing his release.

Yuki said the past eight months have been a living nightmare for her and his family.

“It is a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a living nightmare. I wish it hadn’t taken this long for his release, or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family,” she said.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the US government for their efforts in securing his release. I also want to thank everyone who helped us throughout this ordeal. There were moments I feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength.

“The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult and I appreciate us being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again.”

The family said Gambaryan left Kuje prison on Wednesday night.