invezz.com
In a startling development in Nigeria’s ongoing tax evasion case involving Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, a high-ranking executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has reportedly escaped detention using a fake passport.
The revelation adds a dramatic twist to the unfolding legal saga surrounding Binance’s operations in the country.
Binance exec escape
Anjarwalla, along with his colleagues, was detained in an Abuja guest house amid allegations of tax evasion. However, according to local sources, he managed to flee detention on Friday, allegedly utilizing a counterfeit passport.
The escape reportedly occurred during Friday Ramadan prayers, raising concerns about security lapses.
Legal battle intensifies
The escape follows reports of the Nigerian government launching criminal proceedings against Binance for alleged tax evasion.
Charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, signaling a significant escalation in the legal confrontation between the government and the cryptocurrency exchange.
How did this happen?
Anjarwalla’s flight out of Abuja on a Middle East airline has sparked confusion, given that his British passport remained in Nigerian custody.
Authorities are grappling with how Anjarwalla acquired a Kenyan passport, as he had no other travel documents while in detention.
The incident underscores the challenges of enforcing legal measures in cases involving international corporations.
Refusal to comply
The legal battle intensified when Binance refused to comply with a court order mandating access to user data.
This refusal led to an extension of the remand period for Anjarwalla and his colleague Tigran Gambaryan. The Nigerian government is keen on accessing data related to Nigerian traders using the Binance platform to bolster its case.
Nigerian government crackdown on crypto
The Nigerian government’s stringent stance against individuals and organizations involved in financial crimes linked to cryptocurrency exchanges reflects broader concerns about money laundering and terrorist financing. Binance, being a prominent player in the crypto market, has come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting it was used for laundering nearly $21 billion, according to government sources.
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