Guyana Opposition Leader and sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed on Wednesday accused the Guyanese Government and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of political persecution after police executed a search warrant at his Lombard Street business location.
Police officers carried out the operation at the premises, where three individuals who reportedly work at the location were taken into custody and an undisclosed quantity of local currency seized. Mohamed said the confiscated funds were intended to assist less fortunate individuals who visit the property regularly.
According to Mohamed, he was surprised by the search since he said no active business operates at the building following the revocation of the company’s licences.
Police presented a search warrant indicating they were searching for local or foreign currency, precious metals, minerals, financial documents and electronic devices. Based on Mohamed’s account of the search, the only item recovered under the warrant was an undisclosed sum of local currency. He said he asked officers to display the money to demonstrate that it was a small amount.
He also expressed surprise that a drug-sniffing dog was brought to the location during the operation.
“If is narcotics, you got to go at the big drug dealers place not here”, Mohamed said, maintaining that there was nothing unlawful at the property. He accompanied officers during the search and claimed he was being targeted for political reasons.
“This is share political persecution in this country just because I am standing up to the PPP for the people of this country, this is what I have to go through. You already shut down my flippin businesses and now you coming and search. Go by the drug dealers them and search”, he implored.
Mohamed said he had donated millions of dollars over the years to the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and suggested any search for his funds should instead be directed to the party’s headquarters.
“The hundreds of millions that I give to the PPP, its at Freedom House, go there and search” he said.
When informed that police would be confiscating money found at the premises, Mohamed again urged officers to publicly display the amount.
“Let people see how much money you find, this is the staff money in envelopes and money to give poor people and beggars when they come here. Envelope with $5000 and seven, you know envelopes to give people when they come for assistance”, Mr. Mohamed said.
The search was later completed, with the commanding officer indicating that no gold or narcotics were found at the location. However, two firearms were reportedly discovered in the possession of individuals at the premises, and checks are to be carried out to determine the validity of the firearm licences.
At SOCU headquarters, attorneys representing the Mohameds reported difficulty gaining access to meet with the three detained individuals, adding to what Mohamed described as confusion surrounding the operation.
Mohamed said he remains convinced that the actions of law enforcement were politically directed.
Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are currently before the Magistrates’ Court contesting an extradition request from the United States. US authorities are seeking their extradition on allegations of mail and wire fraud, tax evasion and money laundering linked to gold exports.
