Heads May Roll Over Escape Of Binance Executive From Custody

There are indications that heads may roll within the nation’s security apparatus over the successful escape from custody of Nadeem Anjarwalla .

Anjarwalla, an executive of world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. .Binance, alongside his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, had been in detention in Nigeria upon arriving on February 26.

This is amidst affirmations by the federal government that it had started discussions with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for the re-arrest of the man.

Many consider the successful bid by Anjarwalla, as a big slap on the security arrangement in the country, given the weight of allegations against him..

A retired top ranking police officer who share this sentiment, told The Eagle: “It is just too clear. Heads may roll over the case. How could such a high profile suspect involved in such a case escape like that?”, he queried rhetorically.

The national currency, the Naira, has had a parlous run on the foregin exchange market in the recent, and analyst mention speculation as likely cause.

This also led to the blocking of the the online platforms of Binance and other crypto firms to y the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Binance to depart Nigerian market, convert naira to USDT

The NCC move, it was argued, is to avert continuous manipulation of the forex market and illicit movement of funds.

Anjarwalla reportedly made good his escape from the Abuja guest house, where he and his colleague were detained by capitalizing on the ongoing Ramadan.

He told the guards to led him to where to mosque for prayers, from where he eloped..

A statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser.said:  “The Office of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria, has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, March 22, 2024”.

Amidst the escape worry, the federal government has stated that it was not dealing with individuals, but a company.

READ ALSO: Why FG Is Slamming $10bn Fine On Crypto Company Binance

Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, without affirming that heads may roll, said the FG has begun a manhunt for the fleeing executive.

According to him, his escape from custody, would not affect the payment of $10bn fines for money laundering.