Binance, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange platform, announced on Monday its collaboration with Nigerian authorities to ensure the safety of its employees and address ongoing issues with the government.
This comes after reports surfaced that Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the detained Binance executives in Nigeria, escaped from custody.
Sources revealed that Mr. Anjarwalla, 38, escaped on Friday, March 23, from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were detained. It is believed he used a Middle East airliner to leave Abuja.
Nigerian authorities are working to determine his intended destination and bring him back into custody.
An Immigration official disclosed that Mr. Anjarwalla fled using a Kenyan passport, raising questions about how he obtained it while in custody with only his British passport. Sources suggest he exploited privileges such as telephone use to plan his escape.
In response, Binance emphasized its commitment to its employees’ safety and stated it was collaborating with Nigerian authorities to resolve the situation swiftly.
The company acknowledged being informed that Mr. Anjarwalla was no longer in custody but refrained from commenting further on his whereabouts.
Mr. Anjarwalla and Tigran Gambaryan were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024. Despite criminal charges filed against them, Binance’s refusal to comply with court orders extended their remand. The Nigerian government has since imposed additional charges, alleging tax evasion and other offenses.
This incident occurs amidst Nigeria’s crackdown on suspected money laundering and terrorism financing, with some allegedly exploiting the Binance platform for illicit activities. As the situation unfolds, Binance remains focused on addressing concerns with authorities and ensuring the safety of its personnel.
