Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, is leaving the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, marking the end of a turbulent chapter for both the executive and the company. His departure comes just months after his release from nearly eight months of detention in Nigeria, where he faced serious allegations.
Gambaryan, a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service agent known for his expertise in tracing illicit crypto transactions, joined Binance in 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the company’s anti-money laundering protocols and worked closely with global law enforcement agencies to enhance compliance and asset recovery efforts.
In 2024, Gambaryan was arrested in Nigeria on charges of money laundering and currency manipulation while on a business visit. The detention sparked international attention, with Binance and Gambaryan himself alleging that Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe for his release, claims the Nigerian government has strongly denied. After months of legal battles and deteriorating health, Gambaryan was released on humanitarian grounds in October 2024, and the charges against him were eventually dropped.
In a statement confirming his exit on June 6, 2025, Gambaryan expressed gratitude for his time at Binance and his commitment to making the crypto industry safer. Binance also praised his contributions, highlighting his dedication to transforming their financial crimes compliance organization.
“Thanks to his tireless efforts, the crypto industry is safer for all,” a Binance spokesperson said.
Gambaryan’s departure comes as Binance continues to face regulatory challenges worldwide. The company recently settled a $4.3 billion case with the U.S. government over anti-money laundering violations and agreed to significant penalties, with its co-founder Changpeng Zhao stepping down as CEO and serving a prison sentence.
