The initiative aims to strengthen both countries’ capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crimes related to digital finance.
The United States and Nigeria have launched a bilateral liaison group on illicit finance and cryptocurrencies to combat cybercrime and the misuse of digital assets. The new initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Justice and Nigerian authorities, aims to strengthen both countries’ capabilities in investigating and prosecuting cyber and crypto-related financial crimes as digital finance expands globally.
The group’s formation comes shortly after the release of Binance’s head of financial crimes compliance, Tigran Gambariyan, who had been detained in Nigeria since February on money laundering charges. His release due to health concerns follows heightened tensions, and this new cooperation could help ease strained relations as both countries work towards safe cyberspace operations. .
This liaison group is intended to streamline coordination between the enforcement agencies of both countries, consistent with U.S. goals for global cyber enforcement. This joint effort highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation to address the unique challenges posed by digital assets in the fight against financial crime.
