In a dramatic turn of events, the Kenya Police Service has apprehended Nadeem Anjarwalla, a fugitive executive from Binance, amidst efforts by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to facilitate his extradition to Nigeria within the week.
Government sources, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, confirmed this development to our correspondent on Sunday night.
One source revealed, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.”
This arrest comes after exclusive reporting by Findwhosabi , which revealed the Federal Government’s tracing of Anjarwalla to Kenya following his escape from lawful custody in Nigeria.
Efforts to expedite Anjarwalla’s extradition have intensified, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service engaging in deepened discussions.
Anjarwalla’s cover was blown when he went into hiding immediately upon arrival in Kenya, as reported by Findwhosabi .
“We have found him. We know where he is; he is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria,” a source disclosed. “All hands are on the deck, the government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him.”
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to bringing Anjarwalla to justice in the March edition of its bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert.”
“The takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market,” Olukoyede stated.
“Tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.”
“While Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing,” he added. “Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”
The arrest of Anjarwalla marks a significant step towards accountability and underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes across borders. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.