Kenya And Nigeria in Talks to Extradite Runaway Binance Executive

Kenyan authorities have confirmed that talks about the extradition of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance who escaped custody in Nigeria, are ongoing. One detective with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the agency has received a request to extradite Anjarwalla from Nigeria but is yet to act on it. He equally noted that the process would involve both parties.

“You cannot just walk in and arrest him based on the request. It’s a process. Also, the Anjarwallas are influential and have the backing of some powerful people,” the detective who requested anonymity added.

Perceived Challenges With Anjarwalla’s Case

Nadeem is the son of Atiq Anjarwalla, a senior partner at Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates, East Africa’s largest commercial law firm. There are speculations that the extradition process would come with its challenges due to some rules. Kenya has an extradition law that requires that a Nigerian court issue an arrest warrant. This warrant would then be forwarded to Nairobi’s attorney general. 

On second thought, Nigeria could also seek a red notice through Interpol which makes Anjarwalla’s arrest in any country legal. Once he is arrested, the Kenyan police must obtain court consent, but this process could take as much as many months or years. It is worth noting that there has been a collaborative effort between Nigerian authorities, Interpol, and Kenyan police. 

Nigeria Charge Binance Executives With Money Laundering 

A few days ago, the Nigerian authorities confirmed that the Binance executive is in Kenya where he went into hiding to evade detection. The country immediately swung into action to ensure his extradition back to the country. The case against Anjarwalla and some of his colleagues has to do with an alleged manipulation of the country’s fiat currency, the Nigerian naira.

He has been charged with money laundering from the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

One Binance Executive Pleads Guilty

Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive who was detained alongside Anjarwalla in February, will appear in court on April 19, his new adjournment date. Earlier in court, Gambaryan pleaded not guilty to the charges of money laundering. 

He currently has support from his wife and some others, who have launched a petition for his release back to the United States.