Binance Executive Escape From Custody Won't Stop Prosecution, FG says Contacts Interpol

The Federal Government claims it is in talks with the International Criminal Police Organisation to re-arrest Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of the cryptocurrency platform Binance, who fled recently escaped from jail, insisting that his escape from custody will not stop prosecution of Binance

Open Television gathered that the Federal Government has launched a manhunt for the Binance executive, after arresting the security workers under whose watch the man had escaped.

The suspect now at large, Anjarwalla aged 38, is currently being investigated for allegations of tax evasion and other offences associated with the operations of Binance in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian government convicted him on a four-count criminal complaint on Thursday March 21, 2024 and he was kept in custody of law.

However, the news of his sudden disappearance from custody came a day later as investigation by the press revealed that the foreigner had escaped from the Abuja guest house, where he and a colleague of his were detained after guards on duty led him to a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan fast.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria, has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024,” read a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser on Monday.

He affirmed that Anjarwalla’s escape would not affect the payment of $10bn fines for money laundering.

“Yes, the man has escaped from our custody, and there is now a manhunt on him. Those who were charged with his custody have been arrested and will be brought to book,” said Idris.

Also speaking on the matter, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, said the escape does not mean Binance will get away with the $10bn fine for money laundering.

This is because the FG is dealing with the company, not individuals, Adedeji explained.

“We are dealing with the company and not individuals, and we can enforce compliance with our laws.

“So, whether he escapes or not, that will not in any way affect our plans to enforce compliance as we can ensure that the organization complies with our legal requirements as a country,” he stated.