LAGOS,Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Mr. Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the two Binance executives detained in Nigeria has reportedly escaped from custody
The detained executives were accused of alleged tax evasion and other global cryptocurrency exchange crimes
Anjarwalla, 38, managed to flee from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being detained.
Guards on duty escorted him to a nearby mosque for Ramadan prayers where he purportedly had an opportunity to escape.
It was revealed that Anjarwalla fled using a Kenyan passport, raising questions about how he obtained it, given that he had no other travel document apart from his British passport when taken into custody, Premium Times reported.
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The British national, who also holds Kenyan citizenship, is believed to have left Abuja via a Middle Eastern airliner. Efforts are underway to ascertain his intended destination and apprehend him.
Additionally, Binance was ordered to provide data/information of Nigerian traders on its platform to the government.
The Federal government said that over $2 billion in transactions on Binance were carried out by individuals whose identities were concealed by the leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, pointing to potential illicit activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and market manipulation.
However, Binance’s refusal to comply with the order led to the extension of the officials’ remand for an additional 14 days to prevent tampering with evidence. The court adjourned the case until 4 April 2024.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government filed fresh charges against Mr. Anjarwalla, and his colleague, Mr. Gambaryan at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 22 March. The charges include allegations of tax evasion and failure to comply with tax regulations.
The escape of Anjarwalla has further complicated the legal battle between Binance and Nigerian authorities, raising questions about the adequacy of security measures and the enforcement of court orders in the country. Premium Times