Binance Executive Nadeem Anjarwalla Faces Extradition from Kenya to Nigeria

By: Eliza Bennet

Nadeem Anjarwalla, a regional manager for cryptocurrency exchange Binance in Africa, is facing potential extradition to Nigeria following his arrest in Kenya. Multiple agencies, including the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Force, Kenya Police Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) were involved in his capture, after he had evaded authorities for weeks. Kenya is looking to extradite Anjarwalla to Nigeria within the week, where he will face trial on charges relating to tax evasion and potentially additional charges for his use of illegal passports and escape from custody.

The arrest is a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Binance and Nigerian authorities. Additionally, Tigran Gambrayan, another Binance executive, is currently detained in Nigeria and on trial for allegations of tax evasion. However, this case has faced challenges, as proceedings have been adjourned twice due to formal charges not yet being served to the exchange. Binance CEO Richard Teng has pledged to cooperate with Nigerian authorities in resolving these issues.

This incident adds another layer of complexity to Binance's standing in Nigeria, as Gambrayan's efforts to secure his release have also faced setbacks. Despite the executive pleading not guilty, a federal high court in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, has postponed the hearing of his bail application and he is currently being held at the Kuje correctional center.