Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, announced his resignation from the cryptocurrency exchange on June 6, 2025, concluding a four-year tenure marked by significant contributions and a tumultuous detention in Nigeria. His departure follows an eight-month ordeal in Nigerian custody, which ended in October 2024, after charges of money laundering and tax evasion were dropped amid international advocacy. In a LinkedIn post, Gambaryan expressed pride in his work at Binance and signaled his intent to remain active in the crypto industry, focusing on compliance and enforcement.
Gambaryan’s tenure at Binance began in 2021, where he built the global investigations function from the ground up, expanding it to over 100 professionals and aligning it with U.S. and international law enforcement standards. His team played a pivotal role in high-profile cases, including dismantling a $270 million crypto fraud network and assisting Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in recovering over $400,000 in illicit funds. His leadership also strengthened Binance’s compliance framework, navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the cryptocurrency sector.
In February 2024, Gambaryan and colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla were detained in Nigeria during a government crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges, which authorities blamed for contributing to the naira’s depreciation. The duo faced charges of laundering $35.4 million and operating without proper licensing, allegations Binance and international observers contested as politically motivated. Anjarwalla escaped custody in March 2024, but Gambaryan remained detained, facing deteriorating health conditions, including untreated malaria and a herniated disc, which sparked global outcry.
Gambaryan’s detention conditions in Nigeria’s Kuje prison were widely criticized, with reports detailing inadequate medical care and restricted access to legal counsel. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, led a vocal campaign for his release, supported by Binance, human rights organizations, and 28 U.S. lawmakers who urged the Biden administration to intervene. Diplomatic efforts, including negotiations involving former U.S. officials and direct appeals to Nigerian authorities, culminated in the charges being dropped on October 23, 2024, allowing Gambaryan to return to the U.S. for medical treatment.
Upon his release, Gambaryan reunited with his family in the U.S., where he focused on recovery from the physical and emotional toll of his detention. His resignation statement highlighted the resilience of Binance’s compliance team, which continued operations despite his absence, and emphasized his contributions to global law enforcement collaboration. He noted specific achievements, such as supporting investigations into ransomware, dark pool scams, and terrorist financing, which enhanced Binance’s reputation in regulatory circles.
Binance issued a statement acknowledging Gambaryan’s “invaluable contributions” and wished him well in his future endeavors, though the company faces ongoing legal challenges in Nigeria. The EFCC continues to pursue tax evasion and money laundering cases against Binance, alleging the platform facilitated illicit financial flows. These cases, coupled with Nigeria’s broader regulatory scrutiny of crypto exchanges, underscore the complex environment Gambaryan navigated during his tenure.
Gambaryan’s detention drew significant attention to Nigeria’s treatment of foreign nationals and its stance on cryptocurrency regulation. The U.S. State Department and international human rights groups condemned the conditions of his confinement, citing violations of due process and health rights. His case also highlighted tensions between Nigeria’s government and the crypto industry, with authorities imposing restrictions on platforms like Binance to stabilize the naira.
In his LinkedIn post, Gambaryan reflected on the personal impact of his detention, thanking his family, legal team, and supporters for their unwavering advocacy. He described the experience as a test of resilience, noting that it deepened his commitment to advancing compliance within the crypto sector. While he did not specify his next steps, Gambaryan hinted at exploring opportunities at the intersection of technology, enforcement, and regulatory compliance.
The crypto community and industry analysts have closely followed Gambaryan’s case, viewing it as a bellwether for the regulatory challenges facing global exchanges. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency platform, has faced scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., where it settled a $4.3 billion penalty in 2023 for anti-money laundering violations. Gambaryan’s expertise was instrumental in addressing these challenges, making his departure a notable shift for the company.
As Binance navigates its ongoing legal battles in Nigeria and elsewhere, Gambaryan’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter for both the executive and the exchange. His work strengthened Binance’s compliance infrastructure, but his detention underscored the personal risks faced by crypto executives in regions with stringent regulations. The industry will likely watch closely as Gambaryan transitions to new ventures, leveraging his extensive experience in a rapidly evolving sector.
