Extradition proceedings involving businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, continued on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, despite the absence of defence attorney Siand Dhurjon, who represents Nazar.

Defence attorney, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, informed the court that Dhurjon would not be attending, having only just seen a message from him indicating his absence. Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman nonetheless ordered that the hearing proceed.

Nazar Mohamed, left without his attorney, told the court he was unsure how to proceed, but the magistrate noted that his direct involvement was minimal at this stage, as Forde would handle the cross-examination of the witness.

She added that Dhurjon’s presence would be preferred when a ruling is delivered. The hearing is ongoing with further testimony from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, who is addressing official correspondence records.

She has been on the stand for over two months.

The United States is seeking their extradition over allegations of gold smuggling and money laundering, for which they were sanctioned in 2024.

The extradition is tied to ongoing criminal proceedings before a court in Florida, where the men are expected to answer to charges related to gold smuggling and money laundering.