Kenyan police have reportedly apprehended Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive from cryptocurrency platform Binance, who had fled Nigeria several weeks ago. Anjarwalla had evaded custody in Nigeria amidst the government's crackdown on the cryptocurrency platform, aimed at bolstering the naira.
Following his escape, Nigerian authorities tracked Anjarwalla to Kenya, where he is now reportedly in the custody of local law enforcement. Multiple sources from the Kenyan government have confirmed his detention.
Efforts to extradite Anjarwalla have been underway, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the International Criminal Police Organization, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Kenyan Police Service engaged in discussions since his escape.
In March, the EFCC announced plans to extradite Anjarwalla, citing allegations of tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering amounting to $35,400,000. Anjarwalla, along with Binance Holdings Limited and Tigran Gambaryan, faced charges from the EFCC.
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Anjarwalla, a British and Kenyan citizen who serves as Binance's Africa Regional Manager, was undergoing trial in Nigerian courts before his escape. He absconded while under a 14-day remand order and was due to appear in court on April 4, 2024.
The Nigerian government has intensified its crackdown on Binance in recent months, with Anjarwalla being among the cryptocurrency executives arrested. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) claimed that over $26 billion had been funneled through Binance without proper documentation.
CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso expressed concern over the significant financial transactions passing through Binance without proper oversight.
