A Binance executive detained by Nigerian authorities last month has reportedly escaped, according to local media. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has charged the cryptocurrency exchange with several tax evasion offenses.
Binance’s regional manager for Africa, British-Kenyan Nadeem Anjarwalla, was taken into custody along with his colleague Tigran Gambaryan in late February. Although neither executive was charged with a crime, the government is seeking nearly $10 billion in compensation from Binance, claiming the company manipulated foreign exchange rates through currency speculation and rate-fixing.
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso noted that Binance Nigeria had processed $26 billion in untraceable funds. A presidential spokesperson has informed Bloomberg that Anjarwalla has escaped from the guest house where he was being held. In response, the Nigerian government is working with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for him, amid speculation that he may have left the country.
A Binance spokesperson stated to CNBC, “We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees, and we are collaborating with Nigerian authorities to resolve this issue swiftly.”
Additionally, Nigeria has issued new allegations against Binance and the two executives. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has leveled multiple charges, including failure to pay VAT and Company Income Tax, as well as facilitating tax evasion through its platform.