One of the Binance executives detained by Nigerian authorities over money laundering accusations has escaped from custody.
Mr. Nadeem Anjarwalla was said to have escaped from custody after being led to pray in a nearby mosque by guards posted to the guest house he was detained in Abuja.
A statement by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Monday, said Mr Anjarwalla escaped on Friday, 22 March.
“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport,” said the statement signed by Zakari Minjinyawa head of ONSA strategic communications.
“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.
“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.”
The 38 years old Mr Anjarwalla, who is Binance’s Africa regional manager, was detained under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April.
The ONSA said it has informed the Interpol and local security agencies on the development and all efforts are being made to rearrest the fleeing suspect.
The other Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is still in custody.
