In a significant breakthrough, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who escaped custody in Nigeria, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service.
Anjarwalla’s capture comes after a thorough investigation and collaboration between Nigerian and Kenyan authorities, the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
Anjarwalla was reportedly apprehended on Sunday night in Kenya, where he had been hiding after fleeing Nigeria. His arrest follows the approval of an extradition request by INTERPOL, Nigeria, and the EFCC. He is expected to be extradited to Nigeria within a week to face charges of tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering amounting to $35.4 million.
The EFCC had been working closely with international partners, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the governments of the UK, Northern Ireland, and Kenya, to track down Anjarwalla. His colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, is currently remanded in Abuja’s Kuje Correctional Centre and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The EFCC has expressed concerns that Gambaryan may also be a flight risk, given Anjarwalla’s escape from custody. As a result, his bail request has been halted, and the hearing has been postponed until April 22, 2024.
Anjarwalla’s arrest marks a significant milestone in the case, and his extradition to Nigeria is expected to be completed shortly. The development highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating financial crimes and bringing fugitives to justice.