The Nigerian government, in collaboration with INTERPOL, has initiated extradition proceedings for Nadeem Anjarwalla, a senior executive of Binance, following his escape from detention on March 22. Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan, also of Binance Holdings Limited, were apprehended by security agencies in February over alleged involvement in money laundering activities.
Despite Anjarwalla’s flight from custody, government sources confirmed to The PUNCH that efforts to secure his return to Nigeria are underway. The extradition process is being pursued alongside legal proceedings against Binance and Gambaryan, who are set to appear in court on Thursday to face charges related to money laundering.
According to insider reports, soldiers tasked with monitoring Anjarwalla are currently undergoing interrogation by a joint team comprising members from the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). This concerted effort underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter, emphasizing its implications for national security.
In a significant development, the EFCC has formally taken over the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and has filed charges against Binance, Gambaryan, and Anjarwalla. The charges, bordering on money laundering, were lodged before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja division, and indicate the government’s resolve to address financial irregularities allegedly committed by the cryptocurrency giant and its executives.
Efforts to bring Anjarwalla to justice extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, with collaborative efforts involving INTERPOL, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United Kingdom, and the Kenyan government. These international partnerships underscore the transnational nature of the case and the commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial crimes regardless of their location.
Anjarwalla’s escape, facilitated by the use of a Kenyan passport, has drawn attention to the challenges posed by international travel restrictions and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ongoing negotiations between Nigeria and Binance further highlight the complexities of the case and the broader implications for regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency sector.
The extradition proceedings signify a crucial step in Nigeria’s efforts to address money laundering and strengthen regulatory frameworks governing digital currencies. As the case unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, underscoring the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international partners in combating financial crimes on a global scale.
