–promised joint statement not released up to press time
LEADER of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) movement, Azruddin Mohamed, on Monday sidestepped questions about his party’s stance and plans in light of ongoing extradition proceedings, even as he spoke positively about ongoing political dialogue with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).
Speaking to reporters after a meeting described as “cordial” and “amicable,” Mr Mohamed said the parties had agreed to issue a joint statement later in the day and were working towards terms of reference and a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Up to press time last night, no such statement was released.
When asked by the Guyana Chronicle if the party had discussed contingency plans in the event that the extradition proceedings affect his ability to lead the party, Mr Mohamed declined to address the matter directly.
Mohamed is currently fighting extradition to the U.S., where he faces charges related to alleged gold smuggling, money laundering and other offences.
Just last month, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) cleared the way for extradition proceedings against Azruddin and his father, businessman Nazar Mohamed, to resume after all the presiding judges unanimously dismissed their appeal challenging the legality of the process initiated against them at the request of the United States.
In June 2024, both men and their associated companies were sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the United States Department of the Treasury, over allegations of gold smuggling and large-scale corruption. The sanctions announcement also referenced claims that more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese state had been evaded.
United States authorities are believed to have begun investigating the Mohameds as far back as mid-2010. The probe reportedly involved intelligence sharing and law-enforcement cooperation between Guyana and the United States.
Several American agencies were involved in the investigation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Prosecutors allege that between 2017 and 2024 the two businessmen participated in a scheme to export large quantities of gold from Guyana to the United States using falsified customs declarations and reused government export seals.
Investigators claim the operation enabled the shipment of more than 10,000 kilogrammes of gold while avoiding the payment of taxes and royalties owed to the Guyanese state.
The indictment also references a shipment of gold valued at approximately US$5.3 million that was seized at Miami International Airport during the course of the investigation.
Following the indictment, the United States formally sought the surrender of the two men under the extradition arrangements between the two countries, giving rise to the ongoing committal proceedings before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
