Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of the Binance executives detained in Nigeria over alleged tax evasion and other offenses, has reportedly fled lawful custody, sources informed PREMIUM TIMES.
Anjarwalla, 38, purportedly escaped on Friday, March 22, from an Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were being held. Guards, as part of Ramadan protocols, escorted him to a nearby mosque for prayers.
Despite entering Nigeria with a British passport, Anjarwalla is believed to have left the country using a Kenyan passport. Authorities are working to ascertain his intended destination and return him to custody.
The duo, including Tigran Gambaryan, faced criminal charges upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, 2024. Allegations included failing to comply with tax regulations. Binance’s refusal to provide user data led to extended remand orders.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government filed additional charges against Binance Holdings Limited, Anjarwalla, and Gambaryan on March 22. These charges relate to tax evasion and non-compliance with tax laws.
The Nigerian government has been targeting suspected money launderers and terrorism financiers, claiming that Binance was used for illicit activities, allegedly totaling over $21.6 billion.
Anjarwalla’s escape comes amid Binance’s recent legal troubles, including a $4.3 billion settlement for money laundering charges in the United States. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, has pleaded guilty and agreed to resign, with his trial postponed to April 30.
