–Jagdeo highlights; points to possibility of sanctioned duos wanting to seek refuge in Bolivarian Republic

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, disclosed that there is video evidence of the Mohameds entering the Venezuelan Embassy.
Dr. Jagdeo told a People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) public meeting that Nazar and his son, Azruddin, who is the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, might be planning to seek refuge in Venezuela, with the intent of evading the law here.

The father-son duo were sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) back in June, when it was alleged that between 2019 and 2023, they had under-declared over 10,000 kilogrammes of gold exports, defrauding Guyana of more than US$50 million in taxes.

“You know, the Mohameds applying now for a visa to Venezuela, of all countries in the world, because Venezuela does not have an extradition treaty with the United States of America,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He had warned citizens about the immediate threat looming over the nation’s territorial integrity, democracy, and economic stability.
The Vice-President had said the revelation confirmed the United States (U.S.) lawmakers’ deep concerns that Mohamed, the presidential candidate of WIN has connections with the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime—which has been aggressively laying spurious claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region.
The Vice-President pointed to the seriousness of the OFAC sanctions that have been placed on the Mohameds, which have resulted in persons, who are affiliated with them, losing their visas and bank accounts.

He urged Guyanese not to be misled as the nation’s future is at risk.
Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, had confirmed to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, that US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin and members of his family recently applied for visas to travel to Caracas.

Todd, during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday, raised an alarm over “grave concerns” for Guyana’s sovereignty, democracy and vital international partnerships.

In recent weeks, members of the US Congress have issued stern warnings to Guyana.
Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said, “We remain deeply concerned about efforts to undermine democracy in Guyana… Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship.”

Meanwhile, Congressman Carlos Gimenez accused the Maduro regime of backing “pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed,” pointing to his status as a sanctioned individual by the US Department of the Treasury’s OFAC.

Azruddin, the public face of his WIN political party, has been repeatedly linked by US officials to illicit gold smuggling and money laundering operations tied to Venezuela.
With Guyana’s ICJ case ongoing and national elections approaching, Todd reaffirmed that the government would remain vigilant and proactive to prevent any external attempt to destabilise the nation.