The Nigerian government has located Nadeem Anjarwalla, a high-ranking executive of Binance, in Kenya after he escaped custody in Nigeria. He is facing charges of tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering amounting to $35.4 million. Anjarwalla’s cover was blown upon his arrival in Kenya, and there have been intensified discussions between authorities in Nigeria and Kenya, as well as INTERPOL, to expedite his extradition back to Nigeria. The EFCC Chairman confirmed that they are working with global authorities such as INTERPOL, the FBI, and the governments of the UK, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to secure Anjarwalla’s return.
Court documents reveal that charges were filed against Binance Holdings Limited and its executives, including Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, on various financial crime charges. The charges include engaging in specialized financial business without a valid license, conducting business as a financial institution without authorization, unlawful negotiation of foreign exchange rates, conspiracy to conceal the origin of illicit funds, and money laundering. Anjarwalla is currently at large, while Gambaryan recently pleaded not guilty to four counts of money laundering charges in Nigeria.
Gambaryan’s defense argued that he should not be held accountable for Binance’s activities in Nigeria as he does not have decision-making authority in the company’s operations. However, the judge ruled that Gambaryan acted as Binance’s representative during previous trips to Nigeria and could be held responsible under local laws. The case has been adjourned until April 19, with a bail hearing scheduled for April 18. The Nigerian government has also filed another four-count charge against Binance Holdings Limited, Anjarwalla, and Gambaryan for offering services to subscribers on their platform without registering with the Federal Inland Revenue Service and failing to pay relevant taxes.
Efforts are underway to secure Anjarwalla’s extradition back to Nigeria to face the charges against him. The Nigerian government is working closely with authorities in Kenya and INTERPOL to ensure his return to Nigeria. The collaboration between agencies such as the EFCC, INTERPOL, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service is aimed at bringing Anjarwalla back to Nigeria to stand trial for the financial crimes he is accused of committing. Anjarwalla’s whereabouts in Kenya have been traced, and it is expected that he will be returned to Nigeria to face justice for the charges against him.
