Kenya to Extradite Binance Executive Nadeem Anjarwalla to Nigeria for Alleged Tax Evasion and Escape from Custody
Kenya is preparing to extradite Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive wanted by Nigerian authorities for alleged involvement in tax evasion and a dramatic escape from custody. Anjarwalla, who serves as Binance Africa’s regional manager, was apprehended in Kenya over the weekend in a joint operation involving several agencies, including the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, Kenya Police Service, FBI, and INTERPOL.
The executive had encountered legal issues in Nigeria earlier this year along with another Binance executive, Tigran Gambrayan. Anjarwalla managed to evade custody in March using a Kenyan passport and had been on the run until his recent capture.
This development adds to the ongoing tension between Binance and Nigerian authorities. Gambrayan, who has been detained since February for alleged tax evasion, is currently facing trial. However, the court proceedings have faced delays, with issues surrounding the formal serving of charges to the exchange.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has expressed willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities, but efforts to secure the release of the detained executives have not been disclosed. Gambrayan’s attempts to secure bail have also encountered obstacles, with a federal high court in Abuja postponing his bail application hearing. He remains held at the Kuje Correctional Center pending further legal proceedings.
Anjarwalla is expected to be extradited to Nigeria within the week to face trial on tax evasion charges, with the possibility of additional charges related to illegal passport use and escape from custody. The situation continues to unfold as the cryptocurrency exchange faces scrutiny from Nigerian authorities.
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