Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of Binance facing charges in Nigeria and who absconded from custody, has been apprehended in Kenya after evading authorities while awaiting extradition. Government sources familiar with the situation disclosed that Anjarwalla’s arrest followed joint efforts by law enforcement agencies from Nigeria and Kenya.
The Kenya Police Service confirmed the arrest and stated that extradition procedures are now underway. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is coordinating efforts to facilitate Anjarwalla’s return to Nigeria for legal proceedings.
Anjarwalla and another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, were previously detained in Nigeria over allegations of tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering totaling $35.4 million. Gambaryan, who pleaded not guilty to four money laundering charges, faced a courtroom hearing on April 8. Despite Gambaryan’s plea, the judge ruled that he acted as Binance’s representative during previous trips to Nigeria, invoking local laws. Consequently, Gambaryan’s case was adjourned, with his bail hearing postponed. The substantive charges against him are set to commence on May 2, and he has been remanded at Kuje prison in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, escaped from Nigeria in March and was later arrested in Kenya by the Kenya Police Service.
Efforts to expedite Anjarwalla’s extradition involve collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and INTERPOL. An additional source familiar with the situation confirmed Anjarwalla’s imminent extradition to Nigeria.
The ongoing conflict between Binance and Nigerian authorities has intensified, with legal proceedings against key executives like Tigran Gambaryan. Binance CEO Richard Teng has reiterated the company’s commitment to cooperating with Nigerian authorities, although specific details of these efforts remain undisclosed.
Overall, the situation underscores the complexities surrounding the legal predicament faced by Binance executives and the ongoing efforts to address them.