Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria for nearly eight months last year, is leaving the crypto exchange.
His departure comes just months after his release and amid broader regulatory challenges facing Binance globally.
Gambaryan, a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service agent who joined Binance in 2021, was arrested in Nigeria on charges of money laundering and currency manipulation while visiting the country on behalf of the exchange.
He was eventually released on humanitarian grounds in October 2024 due to deteriorating health, and the Nigerian government later dropped the charges against him.
Confirming his exit in a message to Bloomberg News, Gambaryan said Friday, June 6, 2025, would be his last day at the world’s largest crypto exchange.
A Binance spokesperson, in a statement, commended the outgoing Gambaryan for his role in the company and the crypto industry.
“Tigran has made a lasting impact on Binance, just as he did in his previous roles in law enforcement.
“We are deeply grateful for his dedication in transforming our financial crimes compliance organization. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the crypto industry is safer for all,” the statement read.
The SEC had filed a lawsuit in June 2023, accusing the firm of mishandling customer funds, misleading investors and regulators, and offering unregistered securities.
In November 2023, Binance and Zhao admitted to violating anti-money laundering laws and U.S. sanctions. Binance agreed to pay a $4.3 billion settlement, while Zhao paid a $50 million fine and stepped down as CEO. He recently completed a four-month prison sentence in the U.S.
Shortly after his release in Nigeria, Gambaryan had alleged that Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from the cryptocurrency exchange platform for him to regain his freedom