coinspress.com
A Binance executive detained by Nigerian authorities reportedly escaped custody using a fake passport, according to local sources familiar with the situation.
This development coincides with reports of the Nigerian government initiating criminal proceedings against the exchange for alleged tax evasion, with charges filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager in Africa, and his colleague Tigran Gambaryan were held in a guest house in Abuja for several weeks before Anjarwalla’s reported escape on March 22. He allegedly fled the country using a Kenyan passport, leaving behind his British passport held by Nigerian authorities.
Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were detained upon their arrival in Nigeria on February 26, following a criminal complaint against them.
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Despite a magistrate court granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to hold them for investigation, Binance’s refusal to provide access to trader data led to an extension of their detention.
The Nigerian government has intensified efforts against individuals and entities linked to terrorist financing and money laundering associated with Binance, citing nearly $21 billion laundered through the exchange. Binance spokesperson emphasized the company’s collaboration with Nigerian authorities to address the issue and ensure employee safety.