U.S. President Biden recently called Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to thank him for his assistance in the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan. Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance, was detained by Nigerian authorities for over six months and was released on 10/23 after the charges against him were dropped. Biden emphasized that this incident also facilitated cooperation plans between the two sides on cryptocurrency and illegal funding control.
Accused of money laundering and tax evasion, Gambaryan was detained for over six months.
Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan traveled to Nigeria earlier this February to discuss local cryptocurrency regulation issues but was detained by authorities on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. However, during his detention, Gambaryan's health deteriorated, and he reported suffering from herniated discs, malaria, and pneumonia symptoms, but Nigerian authorities completely denied these claims, emphasizing that he was 'in good condition.' Reports indicate that Gambaryan's lack of proper medical care has caused spinal nerve damage, leaving him unable to walk.
U.S. diplomatic 'efforts' were effective, and Nigerian authorities dropped the charges.
The Gambaryan case has also drawn the attention of the U.S. Congress, with several lawmakers jointly applying pressure and even personally visiting Nigeria to check on him. After multiple diplomatic negotiations and discussions, Nigerian authorities finally dropped all charges against him on 10/23, and the next day Gambaryan flew back to the U.S., ending his long period of detention.
Biden calls to thank Nigerian president, partnering to establish a cryptocurrency enforcement task force.
On the same day that Gambaryan was released, the U.S. State Department announced the formation of a 'Bilateral Illegal Funding and Cryptocurrency Enforcement Task Force' in partnership with the Nigerian government to strengthen cooperation on cryptocurrency and fund regulation, working together to combat financial crime. U.S. President Biden also called Nigerian President Tinubu, not only expressing condolences for the recent disaster affecting northeastern Nigeria, but also praising Tinubu for his efforts in the Gambaryan case.
This article 'Biden Calls Nigerian President to Release Binance Executive, Partners to Establish Cryptocurrency Enforcement Task Force' first appeared in Chain News ABMedia.