Nigeria’s Federal Government (FG) is collaborating with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to secure the extradition of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a high-ranking official with cryptocurrency giant Binance. Anjarwalla’s dramatic escape from custody in Abuja on March 22nd has sparked a manhunt and intensified scrutiny of Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were apprehended by security forces in February on suspicion of money laundering. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reportedly authorized their detention in a secure Abuja location. However, Anjarwalla managed to evade authorities on March 22nd, reportedly using a Kenyan passport to flee the country on a Middle Eastern airline.
Reacting swiftly, Nigerian authorities contacted INTERPOL on March 25th and issued an international arrest warrant for the fugitive executive. Gambaryan remains in custody and is scheduled for arraignment alongside Binance on Thursday.
This turn of events casts a shadow over Binance’s activities in Nigeria. The company has faced growing regulatory concerns in recent months, with some questioning its compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Anjarwalla’s escape and the ongoing money laundering allegations will likely fuel these anxieties.
The success of the extradition process hinges on cooperation between Nigerian authorities and INTERPOL. If apprehended, Anjarwalla will face trial in Nigeria for the alleged financial crimes. The outcome of this case will be closely monitored, with potential implications for cryptocurrency regulations and the future of Binance in Nigeria.
