The Federal Government has successfully traced Nadeem Anjarwalla, a fleeing Binance executive to Kenya after his escape from custody in Nigeria. Sources within the Presidency confirmed that efforts are underway to expedite his extradition back to Nigeria to face charges.
Collaborating closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure Anjarwalla’s return for prosecution.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Anjarwalla went into hiding upon his arrival in Kenya, but authorities have located his whereabouts and are coordinating with international agencies such as INTERPOL and law enforcement bodies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to facilitate his extradition.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed the agency’s collaboration with international partners in the extradition process, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against Anjarwalla and his associates.
Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and another executive, Tigran Gambaryan, faces charges including money laundering totaling $35.4 million. Gambaryan is currently in EFCC custody, while Anjarwalla remains at large.
The charges, include allegations of engaging in financial activities without valid licenses, unlawfully negotiating foreign exchange rates, and conspiring to conceal the origin of illicit proceeds.
Furthermore, the Nigerian government has accused Binance and its executives of tax evasion and failure to comply with tax obligations, adding to the severity of the charges.
This crackdown comes amidst the Nigerian government’s efforts to curb money laundering and terrorism financing, with authorities alleging that Binance was utilized for such illicit activities.
The government claims that over $21.6 billion was traded on the platform by concealed identities, contributing to economic distortions and currency devaluation.
