The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which today confirmed that an executive of Binance, cryptocurrency exchange under investigation in Nigeria, escaped from custody and allegedly fled the country using “a smuggled passport.”
Nadeem Anjarwalla, who serves as Binance’s Africa regional manager, managed to flee custody on Friday, March 22, 2024, with the aid of a smuggled passport, according to Nigeria’s ONSA, which is responsible for the leadership, management and capacity development of the security architecture of the country.
Zakari U. Mijinyawa, the Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA, revealed that Anjarwalla escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a Nigerian court. He was set to appear in court on April 4, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into Binance’s activities in Nigeria. Upon receiving this report, our office quickly teamed up with security agencies, MDAs, and the international community to catch the suspect. Security agencies are collaborating with Interpol to issue an international arrest warrant for the suspect.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.” The Nigerian government has launched an intensive effort, collaborating with international agencies including INTERPOL, to locate and re-arrest Anjarwalla. Security agencies are working diligently to obtain an international arrest warrant for the suspect.”
Zakari U. Mijinyawa, the Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA.
ONSA spreads global dragnet in hunt for escaped Binance executive
According to Zakari, “Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.” The Nigerian government has launched an intensive effort, collaborating with international agencies including INTERPOL, to locate and re-arrest Anjarwalla. Security agencies are working diligently to obtain an international arrest warrant for the suspect.
“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” he said.
“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform,” Zakari added.
The Nigerian government has urged citizens and the international community to provide any information that may assist in apprehending Anjarwalla. This development comes amidst the government’s ongoing investigations into Binance’s operations, alleging money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities totaling over $21.6 billion.
Binance has been embroiled in legal troubles globally, having recently pleaded guilty to criminal money laundering charges in the United States and agreeing to pay hefty fines. In Nigeria, the government has initiated criminal proceedings against Binance, accusing the platform of tax evasion, non-compliance with tax regulations, and aiding customers in tax evasion.
As the search for Anjarwalla continues, the Nigerian government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in the cryptocurrency sector. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings or information regarding the fleeing suspect to law enforcement authorities.
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