THE selective coverage of the robust efforts being made by the government to dismantle gold-smuggling was on Thursday highlighted by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a press conference at Freedom House, he pointed out that the recent dismantling of a major gold-smuggling ring has not received much coverage by those critics who are constantly hounding the government.

He said: “It’s a major operation that has been going on for six months, but it goes without much notice in the newspaper because it doesn’t support the narrative that this government has been looking into all of these issues.”

For context, three Chinese, two males and one female, were recently arrested at a city hotel during an inter-agency intelligence-led operation. They are accused of being involved in smuggling gold and other illegal activities.

The operation, a coordinated effort by various intelligence agencies, also led to the seizure of G$39 million and an unlicensed 9mm pistol with 15 matching rounds of ammunition.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects are part of a transnational criminal organisation involved in gold-smuggling and other illegal activities. The seized funds and firearm are believed to be connected to these illicit operations.

Earlier this week, Ying Xin Su, a 30-year-old travel agent, was charged in connection with the unlicensed gun and ammunition and was remanded to prison.

The police have since issued a wanted bulletin for Zhenjian Fang, a 44-year-old Chinese man, for his alleged involvement in money laundering and other serious offences.

His last known address is Lot 47, New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

In response to the smuggling of gold a number of measures, including the establishment of a taskforce and rigorous scrutiny of declarations have been instituted by the government.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement at a press conference held earlier this year.

While the current gold-exportation procedure is rigid and possesses a very strong paper trail, gold smugglers over the years have crafted very intricate ways to carry out the illegal operations.

Owing to this, the government is aiming to make the system more ironclad. The President said that after a thorough assessment, they have identified several weaknesses and are working to tighten loose ends.

The taskforce, which includes the Attorney-General, the Minister of Finance, the Commissioner General of GRA, Head of the FIU, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Guyana Gold Board is responsible for examining ways to further strengthen the system to address the issue of gold-smuggling.
Further, among the several measures that are being pursued, is stronger bilateral cooperation in order to further strengthen the existing system and areas. The government is also looking at the harmonisation of tax policies and anti-money laundering measures.
The international co-operation will see the signing of treaties, agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), he said. Additionally, technology will play an essential role in making the system firmer.