Kenyan authorities are working diligently to extradite Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive wanted by the Nigerian government. A joint operation involving multiple agencies including the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, Kenya Police Service, FBI, and INTERPOL successfully apprehended him in Kenya after an extensive search.
Following his arrest, it was revealed that Anjarwalla is facing extradition to Nigeria on charges related to tax evasion. Additionally, the Nigerian law enforcement agencies may pursue further charges concerning the use of illegal passports and escaping from custody. This is part of a larger legal issue involving Binance and the Nigerian authorities.
Previous Incidents and Escapes
Anjarwalla, who is the regional manager for Binance Africa, along with another executive, Tigran Gambrayan, had encountered legal trouble in Nigeria earlier this year. They were detained in February in connection to the crypto exchange. However, Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March using a Kenyan passport and has been on the run ever since.
Gambrayan, the other detained Binance executive, is currently on trial for alleged tax evasion in Nigeria. The court proceedings have faced delays, with the case being adjourned multiple times due to challenges in formally serving the charges to the exchange. The judge is expected to make a ruling on the matter by May 17th.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has expressed willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to resolve the issues at hand. However, specific efforts to secure the release of the detained executives have not been disclosed. Gambrayan’s attempts to obtain bail have also been met with setbacks, as the hearing for his bail application was postponed by a federal high court in Abuja. Currently, he remains in custody at the Kuje correctional center.
This complex legal situation involving Binance executives in Nigeria highlights the challenges faced by multinational companies operating in the cryptocurrency space. The extradition of Nadeem Anjarwalla underscores the importance of compliance with tax laws and regulations in various jurisdictions. As the case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Binance and the Nigerian authorities navigate the legal intricacies surrounding these allegations.
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