Binance Exec Staged Elaborate Escape, May Have Evaded Flights: Nigerian Official
Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla absconded from Nigerian custody in February after his arrest. At the time, he was detained along with American colleague Tigran Gambaryan on accusations of misconduct related to the exchange.
In a Sunday interview with a local media outlet, a retired Nigerian official characterized Anjarwalla’s escape as “embarrassing.” He further deemed the incident as indicative of systemic shortcomings within the country’s security personnel.
Dr. Seyi Adetayo, a retired Principal Staff Officer from the Department of State Services, attributed the security lapse to the presence of individuals with potentially fraudulent or criminal intent within the department. He emphasized a critical need to prevent a similar incident from occurring again.
Both the executives were apprehended in Nigeria and had their passports seized during a broader government crackdown on crypto exchanges. They are now seeking legal recourse from two authorities, alleging violations of their fundamental human rights.
Authorities accused Binance of non-compliance with local tax regulations, citing a lack of proper documentation. They also claimed the exchange impeded their ability to collect user taxes. Previously, officials alleged that Anjarwalla used a “smuggled passport” to escape the country. But a family source reportedly countered that his departure was conducted through “lawful means.”
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is reportedly collaborating with Interpol to secure an international arrest warrant for Anjarwalla.
Binance didn’t return Cryptonews’ request for comment by press time.
Adetayo elaborated on the escape, characterizing it as a “well-planned operation.” He insisted it was likely financed and
