Richard Teng, the CEO of Binance, has expressed relief following the release of Tigran Gambaryan, the company’s head of financial crime compliance, from Kuje prison by the Nigerian government. Gambaryan had been detained since February after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Binance and him with allegations of money laundering.
On Wednesday, the EFCC informed the court that it was dropping its case against Gambaryan, citing critical international and diplomatic reasons. Teng took to X to praise Gambaryan for his resilience during his nearly eight-month detention.
“We are deeply relieved and grateful that Tigran Gambaryan has finally been released after enduring nearly eight months of detention in Nigeria,” Teng stated. He commended Gambaryan for his strength in the face of adversity and expressed gratitude to those who supported his 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,” he added.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, also commented on the release, describing the past eight months as a “living nightmare” for their family. She thanked the U.S. government for its efforts in securing her husband’s release and expressed relief that they could now focus on healing as a family. “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,” she said.
The family confirmed that Gambaryan left Kuje prison on Wednesday night, marking the end of a challenging chapter for them.