Binance Executive Escapes Detention in Nigeria Using Fake Passport
In a surprising turn of events, a Binance executive who was detained by Nigerian authorities has managed to escape detention using a fake passport, according to sources familiar with the matter. The executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, reportedly fled detention on March 22 after being taken to a nearby mosque for prayers.
Anjarwalla, who is the regional manager for Binance in Africa, and his colleague Tigran Gambaryan, the head of Binance’s criminal investigations team, were detained in a guest house in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. They had been held there for several weeks.
It is unclear how Anjarwalla was able to board an international flight out of Abuja using a different passport, as his original British passport, with which he entered Nigeria, is still in the custody of the Nigerian authorities. Authorities are now investigating how he obtained the fake passport, as he had no other travel documents while in custody.
During their detention, Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were reportedly granted certain privileges, including the use of cell phones. However, the Nigerian government has launched criminal proceedings against Binance for alleged tax evasion, a separate matter from the detention of the executives.
The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, and Binance has been accused of laundering nearly $21 billion through its exchange. The court had initially allowed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to hold the two individuals for 14 days, but extended their detention for an additional 14 days after Binance refused to comply with a court decision requiring them to provide access to data and details of Nigerian traders using their platform.
The Nigerian government has taken strong measures against individuals and organizations involved in terrorist financing and money laundering connected to Binance. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind these allegations.