President Biden Thanks Nigeria’s Tinubu for Securing Release of Tigran Gambaryan

Written on 30/10/2024
36 Crypto

U.S. President Joe Biden has extended his appreciation to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his role in securing the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who was detained for eight months.

In an October 29 phone call, the White House shared Biden's gratitude for Tinubu's decision to release Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds.

Biden also commended Nigeria’s recent efforts to address crypto-related crimes, particularly through the establishment of the Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance, a collaborative initiative aimed at curbing financial crime.



Gambaryan, detained on criminal charges since early this year, reportedly faced severe health complications during his custody in Nigeria. During his imprisonment, his health deteriorated, with a ruptured disc, pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis. Even though the tax evasion charges have since been withdrawn in June this year, Gambaryan stayed in custody until Nigerian authorities set him free. A Binance spokesperson said he left Nigeria within 24 hours of release to seek urgent medical attention.

Reports from Gambaryan’s detention period indicate troubling treatment, sparking widespread criticism. Gambaryan has recently commented in court, and it was claimed he required crutches to stand up due to ill health. The witnesses also testified that despite his entreaties, prison authorities never provided him a wheelchair, and he was moving almost entirely, only with some assistance. These factors were compounded by the increasing public outcry for his release from prison.

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