Nigerian Government Confirms Binance Executive Found in Kenya

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, the Nigerian government has confirmed that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a top executive at Binance, who had escaped custody in Nigeria, has been located in Kenya.

A source within the presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Anjarwalla had been traced to Kenya, prompting intensified discussions between Nigerian and Kenyan law enforcement agencies to expedite his extradition to Nigeria.

“We know where he is. He is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria,” stated the source.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ola Olukuyede, had previously announced the commission’s collaboration with INTERPOL, US, UK, Northern Ireland, and Kenyan authorities to facilitate Anjarwalla’s extradition. Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan, faces five-count charges related to tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering.

Anjarwalla had escaped custody on March 22, triggering a nationwide manhunt. The Nigerian government has since confirmed that the EFCC has assumed full control of the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The crackdown on Binance stems from allegations of its involvement in manipulating Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, with the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosing during the 293rd meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee in February that over $26 billion had been channeled through Binance without proper trace.

Anjarwalla’s discovery in Kenya marks a significant breakthrough in the government’s efforts to hold accountable those implicated in financial malpractice, signaling a resolute commitment to upholding financial integrity and combating illicit financial activities.

Authorities in both Nigeria and Kenya are working collaboratively to ensure that Anjarwalla faces the charges brought against him, underscoring the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators of financial crimes to justice.