- US President Joe Biden appreciates Nigerian President for releasing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.
- After spending eight months in a Nigerian prison, Gambaryan was released last week on humanitarian grounds.
- Biden also acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts in combating illicit finance and cryptocurrency-related crimes.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for releasing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan on humanitarian grounds. During an October 29 phone call, the White House reported that Biden also acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts to counter crypto-related crimes and illicit finance through the recently formed Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance.
Gambaryan, who had been detained in Nigeria for eight months on criminal charges, was reportedly facing serious health challenges, including a herniated disc, pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis. Although tax evasion charges were dropped in June, he remained in custody until his recent release.
Read also: Binance Executive Walks Free as Nigeria Drops Money Laundering Charges
Following many failed attempts to free him, the Nigerian government finally released him last week. As per a Binance spokesperson’s statement, Gambaryan left the country within 24 hours for medical treatment.
A troubling incident that sparked community outrage was the government’s “inhuman treatment” of Gambaryan during a previous court appearance. He was seen dragging his legs while using crutches and reportedly denied a wheelchair. Witnesses reported that despite Gambaryan’s repeated requests for assistance, he received no help from prison guards.
President Biden Thanks Nigerian Government
In response to Nigeria’s decision, President Biden conveyed his appreciation to President Tinubu. The White House statement read:
“President Biden…underscored his appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the release on humanitarian grounds of American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan last week.”
During their conversation, Biden also recognized Nigeria’s efforts in combating crypto-related threats. On October 23, the United States and Nigeria jointly launched the Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, underscoring both nations’ commitment to tackling financial and cybercrime.
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