Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine, who heads the Special Branch Unit of the Guyana Police Force, told the court that, based on information in his possession, U.S.-indicted and sanctioned businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed poses a threat to society and national security.
Narine made the revelation on Monday during continued extradition proceedings against Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The Special Branch Unit is responsible for gathering and assessing intelligence relating to national security, including threats to public safety, organised crime and other matters that could affect the security of the State.
During cross-examination, attorney Siand Dhurjon, one of the lawyers representing the Mohameds, questioned Narine on whether he considered Azruddin Mohamed a threat to national security.
Dhurjon asked: “You don’t believe Azruddin Mohamed is a threat to national security?”
Narine responded: “Based on information I have, I would consider Azruddin Mohamed a threat to national security.”
Narine also told the court that, based on the information available to him, he considers Azruddin Mohamed a threat to society.
The evidence comes a few days after Narine told the court that he feared for his life and the safety of his family over Facebook posts allegedly made from the “Hana Khamelia” Facebook account, which he described as threatening and defamatory.
The account is linked to Hana Mohamed, Azruddin’s sister and Nazar’s daughter.
Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman also raised concerns over the posts, telling the court that the account mentioned him almost every day and that he was worried Hana’s husband could retaliate against him.
Hanoman also highlighted the Facebook account’s posts, describing them as “vile” and accusing it of “misconstruing the evidence” presented in court.
Narine’s evidence forms part of the prosecution’s case in the extradition proceedings against Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed, who are wanted by the United States to face an 11-count federal indictment.
The U.S. allegations include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering and other related offences arising from an alleged scheme to evade taxes and royalties on Guyanese gold exports.
The extradition hearing is expected to continue this afternoon before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman.
