Binance Executive Extradition Intensifies as Fugitive Tracked to Kenya

Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped Nigerian custody in March, has been located in Kenya. The extradition process is underway with the collaboration of authorities from Nigeria, Kenya, and Interpol. The guards responsible for Anjarwalla's custody are being interrogated to determine the circumstances of his escape. Meanwhile, the other detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, remains in custody awaiting trial.

Binance Executive's Extradition Proceedings Intensify as Authorities Track Fugitive to Kenya

Abuja, Nigeria - In a significant development in the ongoing saga between Binance and Nigerian authorities, the fugitive executive who escaped Nigerian custody in March has been located in Kenya, prompting the Federal Government to initiate extradition proceedings and interrogate the guards responsible for his oversight.

Extradition Process in Motion

According to local media reports, Nigeria's Federal Government has pinpointed the whereabouts of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who fled custody on March 22. Following his disappearance, the government launched a comprehensive investigation that led to Anjarwalla's обнаружение in Kenya.

Sources within the presidency's office have confirmed that Anjarwalla went into hiding immediately after arriving in Kenya. "We have found him. We know where he is. He is in Kenya, and we're working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria," a source stated.

Another source corroborated this information, emphasizing that Nigerian authorities, in collaboration with Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, are "working hard to ensure his return to Nigeria and face the charges brought against him."

EFCC Collaboration in Extradition Effort

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed its active role in the extradition process, working closely with international law enforcement agencies, including the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya.

"The EFCC's takeover of Binance chiefs' prosecution is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC's resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country's forex market," stated Ola Olukoyede, Chair of the EFCC.

Escape Circumstances Under Scrutiny

Binance executives Nadeem Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan were detained on February 26 as part of Nigeria's crackdown on the crypto exchange over alleged tax evasion. However, Anjarwalla, who holds dual British and Kenyan citizenship, managed to escape custody on March 22.

Initial reports suggested that Anjarwalla exploited his phone privileges to orchestrate his escape from Abuja. Further investigations have revealed that he obtained his Kenyan passport and boarded a Middle Eastern airline after being escorted to a mosque for religious observance. The exact circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla's escape and his acquisition of documentation remain unclear.

Guards Questioned as Investigation Deepens

Special investigators from the military are interrogating the guards who were tasked with monitoring Anjarwalla. A top security source informed local media that "the soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla have been detained, as you know, and they're still being grilled by special investigators."

"All hands are on deck, as it is a matter of national security," the source added.

Gambaryan Awaits Trial

Meanwhile, the other detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, remains in EFCC custody. His trial, initially scheduled for April 12, was postponed after his first court appearance. Gambaryan is expected to face trial on Friday, April 19.

Binance's Response

Binance has not yet commented on the latest developments in the case. The company's CEO, Changpeng Zhao, has previously denied any wrongdoing by Binance or its executives and has expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved.

Market Impact

The ongoing legal drama has had a limited impact on Binance's operations. The company's native token, Binance Coin (BNB), has experienced fluctuations in value but has generally trended upwards in recent weeks.

The extradition proceedings and potential consequences for the fugitive executive are closely watched by the cryptocurrency industry and financial regulators worldwide. The outcome of the case will likely shape the future of crypto regulation in Nigeria and beyond.