Escaped Binance executive tracked to Kenya, as Nigeria seeks extradition

By Mark Ogagan

The Nigerian Government has located Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who fled the country while in custody, to Kenya.

This revelation has sparked intensified discussions between Nigerian and Kenyan authorities, as well as international law enforcement agencies, to expedite Anjarwalla’s extradition.

Sources within the Presidency informed said that Anjarwalla, who attempted to conceal his whereabouts upon arrival in Kenya, has been pinpointed, and collaborative efforts are underway to repatriate him to Nigeria.

Additionally, corroborating the initial report, another source emphasized the concerted efforts of government and security agencies to ensure Anjarwalla’s return for legal proceedings.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, confirmed in the agency’s bulletin that collaborative efforts involving INTERPOL, the United States’ FBI, and governments including the UK, Northern Ireland, and Kenya were underway to extradite Anjarwalla. The charges against him and Binance Holdings Limited, including tax evasion and money laundering totaling $35.4 million, reflect the gravity of the situation.

The extradition process initiated by the Federal Government is a response to allegations of money laundering amounting to $35,400,000. Anjarwalla’s evasion of lawful custody has escalated the urgency of his return, especially as his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, is already in EFCC custody and set for arraignment.

Meanwhile, soldiers assigned to monitor Anjarwalla are undergoing scrutiny by a multidisciplinary team comprising military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. This underscores the national security implications of the case.

Court documents reveal the comprehensive charges against Binance Holdings Limited, Gambaryan, and Anjarwalla, encompassing illegal financial activities and money laundering. The Nigerian government’s additional charges relate to tax evasion, emphasizing the severity of the allegations.

The crackdown on suspected money launderers and terrorism financiers, particularly those exploiting platforms like Binance, is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat financial crimes. The Nigerian government’s claims of illicit activities on Binance underscore the platform’s alleged role in distorting the economy and undermining the national currency.

Binance’s previous settlement of criminal money laundering charges in the United States further complicates the situation, with the company’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, facing legal repercussions.