The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to apprehend Nadeem Anjarwalla, a director at the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who recently fled the country while under detention. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced that the International Police (Interpol) are now actively involved in the search for Anjarwalla.
Anjarwalla’s escape has triggered a significant response from Nigerian authorities, given the ongoing criminal investigation into Binance’s operations within the country. The investigation focuses on allegations of money laundering and terrorism financing facilitated through the Binance platform.
The Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed Anjarwalla’s flight from lawful custody on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication for the Office, outlined the collaborative efforts underway between Nigerian security agencies, government bodies, and international partners to track down the fugitive.
Interpol’s involvement comes after revelations that Anjarwalla managed to leave Nigeria using a passport that was smuggled into his place of detention. The incident has led to the arrest of personnel responsible for Anjarwalla’s custody, with a comprehensive investigation launched to determine how the escape was facilitated.
Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and is the Africa regional manager for Binance, was under a 14-day remand order by a Nigerian court at the time of his escape. He was due to make another court appearance on April 4th, 2024, as part of the legal proceedings against him.
The Nigerian government’s pursuit of Anjarwalla underscores the serious stance it is taking against financial crimes associated with cryptocurrency platforms. By engaging Interpol and leveraging international law enforcement networks, the government aims to ensure that those implicated in such activities face justice, regardless of their attempts to evade capture.
As the search continues, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizing the importance of holding financial institutions and their representatives accountable for their actions within the country’s jurisdiction.
