Recently, the US government exerted pressure on Nigeria to release Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, which has become a key issue in US-Nigeria diplomatic relations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had discussions with Nigeria's foreign minister regarding this matter in May. US diplomats, including the US ambassador in Nigeria, have privately contacted Nigeria's president, finance minister, justice minister, and trade minister, urging the release of Gambaryan. Gambaryan arrived in Nigeria in February to discuss Binance's business operations within the country. Nigerian authorities accused Binance of causing the Nigerian currency, Naira, to depreciate by allowing users to transfer funds out of the local currency, thereby harming the Nigerian economy. Gambaryan and Binance were subsequently charged with tax evasion and money laundering. The tax evasion charges have since been dropped, but the other charges are still ongoing. Last week, Gambaryan applied for bail to receive medical treatment, and if approved, he will be released when his trial begins in October. Gambaryan denies all allegations of misconduct.