A Nigerian court has dropped charges against Binance manager Tigran Gambaryan, accused of money laundering. The 40-year-old American, who had been in custody since February, was released Wednesday.

His family reported that his health had declined significantly in recent months. Gambaryan was reportedly in prison have not had sufficient access to medical care, despite his health problems from malaria and a hernia. Binance CEO Richard Teng had called for his release back in September, after Gambaryan was denied even crutches at a court hearing. Gambaryan, head of the Financial Crime Department at Binance, was accused of involvement in the laundering of $35 million, which his lawyer described as "out of the blue" labeled. Last week, Gambaryan was unable to participate in another hearing due to illness. His wife made an emotional appeal: "My husband is very sick and we are all fed up with this injustice. Please let him come home."

This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family. https://t.co/HsQNoyE0cS
— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) September 3, 2024

U.S. politicians demand release

The case also became a political issue in the US. In late September, the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution calling the "immediate release" of Gambaryan demanded. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also interfered. In addition, several U.S. attorneys general insisted that the White House consider the Binance executive an official hostage.

Although his family has not yet issued a public statement, Gambaryan is now expected to be on his way to a hospital in the US. His wife fears permanent damage from the detention conditions: "His hernia has worsened to the point that it may have caused permanent damage and could affect his mobility."

Meanwhile, separate charges by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Binance for tax evasion persist. Binance has also denied these charges.