Binance Executive Escapes from Custody in Nigeria

Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the detained Binance executives in Nigeria, has reportedly escaped from custody, sparking a nationwide search. Anjarwalla, along with colleague Tigran Gambaryan, faced a four-count criminal charge from the Nigerian government prior to his escape.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Anjarwalla, 38, managed to flee from a guest house in Abuja on Friday, March 22. The escape allegedly occurred during a visit to a nearby mosque for prayers, facilitated by guards on duty amidst the Ramadan fast.

The British-Kenyan citizen is believed to have departed Abuja via a Middle Eastern airline. Questions arise as to how Anjarwalla managed to board an international flight without his British passport, which remained in the custody of Nigerian authorities.

Efforts are underway to determine Anjarwalla’s destination and apprehend him. Reports suggest he fled using a Kenyan passport, raising further inquiries into its acquisition, given his lack of other travel documents at the time of detention.

Authorities disclosed that the detained executives enjoyed certain privileges, including phone usage, potentially aiding Anjarwalla’s escape plan.

Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, has yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.

Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were initially detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024. They faced charges related to tax evasion and non-compliance with financial regulations. Binance, the crypto exchange platform, was also implicated in the legal proceedings.

The Nigerian government alleges that Binance facilitated unlawful activities amounting to over $21.6 billion, contributing to money laundering, terrorism financing, and market manipulation.

Anjarwalla’s escape comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Binance following its $4.3 billion settlement with the US Department of Justice for money laundering charges. Founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, alias CZ, faces a postponed criminal trial in the US.