A Binance executive, who fled the scene, has been traced to Kenya. Nigeria is now seeking extradition.

Nadeem Anjarwalla, a senior executive of Binance, has been located in Kenya by the Nigerian government after he escaped custody in Nigeria. His presence in Kenya was revealed upon his arrival, as reported by Nigerian media outlet The Punch.

Intensified discussions involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service are underway to expedite Anjarwalla’s extradition.

“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,” one source stated.

Another source, closely connected to the matter, confirmed the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government, security agencies, Kenyan authorities, and INTERPOL to ensure Anjarwalla’s return to Nigeria to face the charges against him.

EFCC's Cooperation with Global Authorities for Anjarwalla's Extradition Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC, confirmed in the agency’s March edition of the “EFCC Alert” bulletin that they were partnering with INTERPOL, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.

Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and its chief executive, Tigran Gambaryan, faces charges including tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering amounting to $35.4 million. Court documents indicate that charges were filed against them on March 28, 2024, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

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.

Additional charges were filed on March 22, accusing Binance Holdings Limited, Anjarwalla, and Gambaryan of offering services to subscribers on their platform without registering with the Federal Inland Revenue Service and failing to pay relevant taxes.

Tigran Gambaryan Pleads Not Guilty Last week, detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan pleaded not guilty to four counts of money laundering charges in Nigeria. Gambaryan argued that he should not be held accountable for Binance’s activities in Nigeria, as he does not possess decision-making authority in the company’s operations.

His lawyer, Chukwuka Ikuazom, contended that Gambaryan could not enter a plea on behalf of his escaped colleague who was also served with charges.

However, Judge Emeka Nwite rejected Gambaryan’s defense argument, ruling that Gambaryan acted as Binance’s representative during previous trips to Nigeria, citing local laws.

Gambaryan’s case has been adjourned until April 19, with the hearing for bail consideration further adjourned to April 18.