news.bitcoin.com
U.S. President Joe Biden has praised Nigeria’s efforts in combating crypto-related financial crimes, including the recent release of a former Binance executive.
Biden, Tinubu Strengthen US-Nigeria Ties With Crypto Crime Initiative
The White House announced Tuesday that U.S. President Joe Biden held a call with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, touching on recent humanitarian and diplomatic developments.
“President Biden offered his condolences on the recent flooding that has impacted northeastern Nigeria and underscored his appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the release on humanitarian grounds of American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan last week,” the White House detailed, adding:
The two leaders also spoke about the value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in addressing global challenges and advancing security and prosperity across multiple sectors.
Gambaryan, a former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and Binance compliance executive, had been detained since February on money laundering charges he denied. His release on Oct. 24 followed months of diplomatic negotiations as concerns mounted over his deteriorating health, with reports indicating he had developed severe conditions, including pneumonia, while held in Kuje prison.
Biden praised Nigeria’s role in joint law enforcement and technology initiatives, as well as its commitment to reforming international organizations. The White House stated:
In particular, President Biden expressed appreciation for cooperation on law enforcement, including through the recently announced Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, for collaboration on new and innovative technologies, and on shared interests in reforming international organizations to reflect African voices.
The Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, launched on Oct. 23, is designed to tackle financial crimes and cyber threats, with a specific focus on the misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities. The initiative will enhance collaboration between the U.S. and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, aiming to improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute digital financial crimes, the White House explained. This effort underscores both nations’ commitment to protecting digital ecosystems and strengthening their defenses against financial crimes tied to cryptocurrency.