"F.g. and INTERPOL Pursue Extradition of Binance Chief Amid Money Laundering Scandal"

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), has initiated discussions regarding the extradition of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a high-ranking executive at Binance, a cryptocurrency firm. Anjarwalla's extradition process comes in the wake of his escape from detention on March 22, 2024.

Nadeem Anjarwalla, along with another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, was apprehended by security agencies in February over alleged involvement in money laundering activities. The arrest, authorized by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, saw both executives detained in a secure facility in Abuja. Subsequently, they were charged with a $35.4 million money laundering offense at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, on Friday, March 22, Anjarwalla managed to escape from custody and fled the country using a Kenyan passport. His sudden disappearance raised concerns and prompted swift action from Nigerian authorities, leading to the commencement of the extradition process in collaboration with INTERPOL.

Government sources have confirmed that despite Anjarwalla's escape, legal proceedings against Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan will proceed as planned. Both are expected to appear in court on Thursday to face charges related to money laundering.

An official source stated, "Mr. Anjarwalla's extradition process has commenced. The Federal Government is working closely with INTERPOL to secure the fugitive's return to Nigeria to face charges. His absence will not deter us from proceeding with the arraignment of Binance and Mr. Gambaryan."

Additionally, investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Anjarwalla's escape. Soldiers tasked with monitoring him have been detained and are currently being questioned by a team comprising members from various security and intelligence agencies, including the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Meanwhile, the EFCC is actively pursuing legal action against Binance Holdings Limited and its executives. Gambaryan, who remains in custody, is set to be arraigned in court alongside Anjarwalla, who will be tried in absentia. The EFCC has filed charges against the company and its executives, alleging multiple counts of money laundering and other financial crimes.

Efforts to apprehend Anjarwalla extend beyond Nigeria's borders, with the EFCC collaborating with INTERPOL, the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the government of the United Kingdom, and the Kenyan authorities to facilitate his arrest and extradition.

The legal proceedings against Binance and its executives mark a significant development in Nigeria's efforts to combat financial crimes and uphold the rule of law within its borders.

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