The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed that it is collaborating with Interpol to capture Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance executive who recently escaped custody. Anjarwalla is a key suspect in an ongoing investigation into Binance’s activities.

According to ONSA, Anjarwalla escaped using a smuggled passport. Those responsible for his custody have been detained, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of his escape.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has also initiated criminal proceedings against Binance, citing tax evasion and failure to comply with Nigerian tax regulations. The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, include non-payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, and aiding customers in tax evasion.

Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serves as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was under a 14-day remand order by a Nigerian court at the time of his escape. He was scheduled to appear in court on April 4, 2024.

Binance has acknowledged the situation and stated that it is cooperating with Nigerian authorities to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of its staff. Tigran Gambaryan, another senior executive of Binance, is currently in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, UK, Elahe Anjarwalla, Nadeem’s wife, defended her husband, stating that he had nothing to do with the decline of the Nigerian currency. She expressed concern about her husband’s health and the restrictions on his movement.

Binance had previously pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws in the United States, resulting in a $4.3 billion settlement.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the escape of Anjarwalla, describing it as a breach of national security and an indication of corruption within Nigeria’s security architecture. HURIWA called for immediate action against those responsible for the lapse in security.

The federal government remains committed to ensuring compliance with tax regulations and combating financial impropriety within the cryptocurrency sector. FIRS is empowered by law to assess, collect, and account for revenue accruing to the federation and administer relevant tax laws.

Binance’s spokesperson, Samantha Fuller, has stated that the company is aware of Anjarwalla’s escape and is working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to resolve the issue.