FG starts a manhunt for a run away Binance executive after contacting INTERPOL

The International Criminal Police Organization and the Federal Government are reportedly in discussions on the re-arrest of Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of the cryptocurrency platform Binance, who managed to escape from detention.

Additionally, it declared that it had started a manhunt for the Binance executive and had taken custody of the security guards that allowed him to flee.

Anjarwalla, 38, has been imprisoned for tax evasion and other offenses. He is a suspect in an ongoing investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government found him guilty on Thursday, March 21, of four counts of criminal charges.

After being brought by on-duty guards to a nearby mosque for prayers in observance of the ongoing Ramadan fast, he managed to escape from the Abuja guest home one day later, where he was being held together with a colleague.

A statement released on Monday by the Office of the National Security Adviser stated, “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.”

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, told State House reporters following this week’s Federal official Council meeting that the Federal Guard has started a manhunt for the departing official.

He said that the $10 billion in money laundering fines will not be affected by Anjarwalla’s flight.

According to The PUNCH, on March 22, the Federal High Court in Abuja approved Binance’s petitions to pay a $4.3 billion “Settlement For Anti-Money Laundering Sanctions, Violations” payment.

“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,” Idris stated.

Speaking on the subject, Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman Zacch Adedeji stated that Binance will not avoid paying the $10 billion fine for money laundering notwithstanding the escape.

Adedeji clarified that this is because the FG is interacting with the business and not specific people.

“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.