ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully traced Nadeem Anjarwalla, a fleeing Binance executive, to Kenya.
Anjarwalla had escaped from custody in Nigeria and is now the subject of an international operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies to facilitate his extradition.
Anjarwalla, who is facing serious charges including money laundering amounting to $35.4 million, managed to evade authorities following his initial detention.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in conjunction with the International Criminal Police, INTERPOL, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service, are actively engaged in discussions to ensure his quick return to Nigeria to face justice.
Sources close to the presidency have confirmed that Anjarwalla was identified shortly after his arrival in Kenya.
“We have found him. We know where he is. He is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria,” a senior official reported.
The EFCC, under the leadership of Chairman Ola Olukoyede, emphasised in the March issue of “EFCC Alert” the commission’s commitment to prosecuting financial crimes that disrupt the country’s economy.
This case highlights the commission’s broader strategy to curb illicit financial flows and market manipulations that could destabilize the Nigerian economy.
Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan, another company executive currently in custody, are accused of operating a financial business without a valid license and engaging in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions.
These actions have allegedly contributed to significant financial distortions in Nigeria.
The international cooperation extends beyond Kenya, involving the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, showcasing the global effort to address financial crimes that have far-reaching impacts.
Legal proceedings against Binance and its executives began with their arraignment on charges filed on March 28, 2024, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division.
These charges detail the extent of the alleged financial malpractices, including failing to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service and evading taxes.
The global crackdown on Binance’s operations follows a guilty plea by the platform in the United States, agreeing to pay $4.3 billion to settle criminal charges of money laundering.
This case continues to develop as international law enforcement coordinates efforts to ensure Anjarwalla faces the allegations in court.
