The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has issued a call to the public and international community for assistance in locating Mr. Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Executive Manager for Binance in Africa, who fled from detention.
ONSA’s Head of Strategic Communication, Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, announced the launch of a global manhunt to re-arrest Anjarwalla, who escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a Nigerian court.
Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan national, was facing trial in Nigerian courts for alleged involvement in money laundering and terrorism financing activities associated with Binance’s cryptocurrency exchange platform.
His escape, reportedly facilitated by the use of a smuggled passport, has prompted an urgent collaborative effort between security agencies, government departments, and the international community to locate and apprehend him.
Reports suggest that Anjarwalla exploited a lapse in security protocols while detained at a guest house in Abuja, where he and a colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were granted certain privileges, including the opportunity to visit a nearby mosque for prayers during Ramadan.
Despite being detained on allegations of tax evasion and other charges since February 26, 2024, Anjarwalla managed to flee Nigeria on a Kenyan passport, leaving behind his British passport, which remains in Nigerian custody.
The escape has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla’s departure and the security measures in place during his detention.
Investigations are underway to ascertain how he obtained the Kenyan passport and the extent of his involvement in the planning of his escape.
Meanwhile, Binance has acknowledged Anjarwalla’s absence from Nigerian custody and expressed concern for the safety of its employees.
The company is cooperating with Nigerian authorities to address the situation and resolve outstanding issues related to the legal proceedings against its executives.
The charges against Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, filed by Nigerian authorities, include tax evasion and failure to comply with tax regulations.
These charges are part of broader efforts by the Nigerian government to enforce tax compliance within the cryptocurrency sector and combat financial impropriety.
Anjarwalla’s escape comes amidst ongoing legal challenges faced by Binance, including a recent settlement with the US Department of Justice over money laundering charges.
