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Kenyan Authorities to Extradite Binance Executive Nadeem Anjarwalla
Kenyan authorities are in the process of extraditing Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who is being sought by the Nigerian government. Anjarwalla was captured over the weekend in Kenya after a joint operation involving several agencies, including the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force, Kenya Police Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
Following his arrest, reports from local media outlet Punch, citing an unnamed government source, indicated that Anjarwalla is set to be extradited to Nigeria within the week to face charges related to tax evasion. Additionally, Nigerian law enforcement agencies may pursue further charges related to his use of illegal passports and his escape from custody.
Background of the Binance Situation in Nigeria
Anjarwalla, serving as Binance Africa’s regional manager, alongside another executive, Tigran Gambrayan, encountered legal troubles in Nigeria back in February when they were detained due to their ties to the cryptocurrency exchange. Despite the detainment, Anjarwalla managed to escape legal custody in March using a Kenyan passport and has been on the run since.
The situation surrounding Binance in Nigeria continues to escalate, particularly with Gambrayan, a key Binance executive, currently on trial for suspected tax evasion. However, the tax evasion proceedings have faced challenges as a Nigerian court has adjourned the case twice due to the exchange not being formally served with the charges. A ruling on the matter is expected by May 17.
Binance CEO Richard Teng has expressed a commitment to cooperating with Nigerian authorities to resolve the ongoing issue. Despite this, details regarding specific efforts to secure the release of the detained executives have not been disclosed.
In the meantime, Gambrayan’s attempts to secure his release have encountered obstacles, with a federal high court in Abuja delaying his bail application hearing. He is currently being held at the Kuje correctional center.
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