HIGH Court Judge Justice Peter Hugh, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, ordered the forfeiture of $10,000,000 from businessman Naitram Outar, also known as ‘Sweetman’, for his involvement in fraud, bribery, and money laundering activities.

According to a press release from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the court ruled that the currency being seized was tainted property and the proceeds of crime.

The SOCU was directed to confiscate the sum, and pay it into the Consolidated Fund pursuant to Section 82 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Cap. 10:11. This, according to the Unit, has since been done.

The case originated from a search conducted on July 15, 2024 by SOCU officers and members of the Guyana Police Force at Outar’s property in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

During the search, officers found and seized $10 million in Guyanese currency after Outar failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing such a large sum of money. This discovery prompted an immediate money laundering investigation.

Further investigation revealed that in May 2024, Outar conspired with another businessman to facilitate a corrupt land sale transaction involving two acres of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, valued at G$50 million.

Outar was responsible for orchestrating the arrangement at a fee of G$40 million, while the remaining G$10 million was designated as a kickback for the illicit deal.

“SOCU continues to investigate other individuals suspected to be involved in this extensive corruption scheme,” the Unit said.

Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, Head of SOCU, has issued a stern warning to those attempting to corrupt the system, emphasising that SOCU’s enforcement efforts will relentlessly pursue and prosecute offenders.

The court’s decision to confiscate the G$10 million was supported by SOCU’s legal team, represented by Attorney-at-Law and Prosecutor David Brathwaite.