Fugitive Binance Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, captured in Kenya following escape

Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive affiliated with the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who had previously escaped from legal custody in Nigeria, has recently been detained by the Kenya Police Service. Anjarwalla, who managed to elude capture in Nigeria, is now in custody and is anticipated to face extradition proceedings facilitated by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to return to Nigeria within the next week.

The arrest took place on a Sunday night on Kenyan soil, as revealed by anonymous informants who are acquainted with the developments of the case. Anjarwalla’s presence in Kenya was uncovered a few days prior to his capture, which was a result of thorough investigative efforts by the pertinent authorities.

In coordination with the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria, efforts have been intensified between INTERPOL and law enforcement agencies of both Nigeria and Kenya to streamline the process of extraditing Anjarwalla to face due legal processes.

It has also been noted that the apprehension of the executive came to pass after a formal extradition petition was sanctioned by INTERPOL, the EFCC, and the Nigerian authorities.

In February 2024, Nigerian officials initially took Nadeem Anjarwalla and his associate, Tigran Gambaryan, into custody. Anjarwalla, however, managed to break free from detention in the month that followed, while Gambaryan remained in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre located in Abuja, Nigeria.

Subsequently, it was revealed that Anjarwalla had left Nigeria clandestinely. This was despite having his British passport, which he utilized for entry into Nigeria, seized by the authorities. As per a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser, it was believed that Anjarwalla had absconded using a clandestinely obtained Kenyan passport.

In addition to the fugitive situation, Binance and its two executives, Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, face grave accusations tabled by the EFCC, including tax evasion, engaging in currency speculation, and laundering money amounting to approximately $35.4 million. While Gambaryan has maintained his innocence and sought bail through the courts, Anjarwalla, who had fled from custody, has just recently been discovered and apprehended in Kenya. Reports suggest that upon his entry into Kenya, he chose to take refuge and remain concealed until his arrest.

In a statement made in March, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), highlighted the extensive global collaboration that has been a crucial factor in managing the case involving Nadeem Anjarwalla. Olukoyede elaborated on the concerted efforts undertaken by an array of international organizations and government bodies which have been instrumental in tracking down Anjarwalla, who had eluded capture.

Partnerships with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya played pivotal roles in this international law enforcement initiative. With these partners working in unison with the EFCC, the joint objective was to ensure Anjarwalla’s capture as the process of arranging his trial in absentia alongside his corporate entity and colleague Tigran Gambaryan was underway, Olukoyede noted.

As the case unfolds, Gambaryan, who had appeared before the court more recently, faced an interruption in his attempt to secure bail. The court made the decision to delay the bail hearing due to concerns raised by the EFCC regarding the potential of Gambaryan to also flee from justice. These concerns were underscored by the fact that Anjarwalla, Gambaryan’s fellow executive under detention, had successfully escaped custody.

Nevertheless, with Anjarwalla now under arrest, the adjournment for the consideration of Gambaryan’s bail has been set for April 22, 2024, allowing the legal procedures to advance.