On December 10, 2024, Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS investigator and head of financial crime compliance at Binance, was released from a Nigerian prison after eight months of unlawful detention. His release was granted on humanitarian grounds, allowing him to return to Atlanta for medical treatment following severe health issues, including malaria and double pneumonia.
The Nigerian government dropped money laundering charges against him, which stemmed from accusations that Binance facilitated $23 billion in untraceable funds in 2023, leading to a $10 billion penalty sought by the government.
Gambaryan's detention sparked outrage in the crypto industry, with many viewing him as a victim of geopolitical tensions. His case drew support from former colleagues and members of Congress who advocated for his release, highlighting the inadequacies of the U.S. government's response.
Despite his ordeal, Gambaryan’s return is seen as a victory for compliance within the crypto sector, where his expertise was pivotal in transforming Binance's compliance practices since he joined in 2021.