Top Binance Executive Who Fled Nigeria Captured In Kenya, Extradition Likely

In a recent development, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a high-ranking executive at Binance who had previously absconded from Nigerian custody, has been located in Kenya. Local media reports suggest that he is now facing extradition.

What Happened: Anjarwalla, an executive at Binance, was found in Kenya by Nigerian authorities, Coindesk reported on Monday. In collaboration with Kenyan officials, they are now working to extradite him to Nigeria, according to Nigeria’s Daily Post and The Punch.

Anjarwalla and another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, were apprehended in February by Nigerian authorities. The cryptocurrency exchange was accused of manipulating the local exchange rate, evading taxes, and money laundering. Anjarwalla, who holds dual British-Kenyan citizenship, allegedly fled Nigeria in March using a concealed Kenyan passport.

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Gambaryan, however, remains in Nigeria and has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges during an April court hearing. Unnamed government sources suggest that Anjarwalla could be returned to Nigeria within the week via INTERPOL.

Why It Matters: This incident follows a series of legal troubles for Binance in Nigeria. In March, the Nigerian federal government filed charges against the crypto exchange for tax evasion. Binance was accused of non-payment of value-added tax, non-payment of company income tax, failure to file tax returns, and aiding customers in tax evasion through its platform.

Furthermore, the bail hearing of Gambaryan, who is facing money laundering charges in Nigeria, was postponed due to administrative errors. Gambaryan, a U.S. national, has denied allegations of involvement in a $35 million money laundering operation.

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