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How U.S. Aircraft Evacuated Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan From Nigeria

Published

2 months ago

Oct 26, 2024.

Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance Holdings Limited, was airlifted out of Nigeria on a US medical aircraft shortly after the Nigerian government dropped money laundering charges against him, The New York Times reports.

Gambaryan had been held in detention since February amid accusations that the cryptocurrency firm was involved in manipulating the naira.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that his release on Wednesday was preceded by diplomatic negotiations between US and Nigerian officials, leading to a substantial intervention.

While in custody, Gambaryan reportedly developed critical health complications, including malaria, double pneumonia, and a herniated disk, which required immediate medical attention.

Evacuated Binance Gambaryan

His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, had persistently appealed to Nigerian authorities about his deteriorating condition, significantly contributing to the decision for his release and urgent medical evacuation.

The situation intensified when Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance regional manager and Gambaryan’s co-detainee, escaped from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in March, leaving Gambaryan to face the legal issues alone.

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Gambaryan’s release reflects the dedication of both nations to maintain cooperative relations.