Opposition Leader and businessman Azruddin Mohamed has publicly criticized the Government and the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force after police executed a search warrant at his Lombard Street business on Wednesday.
During the midday operation, three employees were taken into custody, and an undisclosed amount of local currency was confiscated. Mohamed, who claimed the seized money was intended to assist less fortunate visitors to his business, expressed his shock at the search, emphasizing that the company had no active operations following the revocation of its licenses.
The police’s search warrant cited the need to look for local or foreign currency, precious metals, minerals, financial documents, and electronic devices. Mohamed stated that, according to the police, the only item found was a small sum of money. He requested that the police display the seized cash to demonstrate its minimal amount, arguing that it was merely staff funds intended for charitable purposes.
Surprised by the presence of a drug-sniffing dog during the search, Mohamed remarked, “If it’s narcotics, you got to go at the big drug dealers’ place, not here.” He insisted that there was nothing unlawful at his property and accused the police of politically motivated harassment due to his opposition to the government.
“This is sheer political persecution… I am standing up to the PPP for the people of this country,” he said, lamenting the closure of his businesses and the subsequent search. He further claimed that any search for his money should occur at the headquarters of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), citing his past donations to the party.
“Go there and search,” he exclaimed, referring to the PPP’s Freedom House.
When officers informed him they would be confiscating the seized funds, Mohamed insisted on displaying the money to clarify its purpose: “This is the staff money in envelopes… money to give poor people and beggars when they come here.”
After the search was completed, police confirmed that no gold or drugs were found on the premises, although two firearms were discovered in the possession of individuals at the location. Authorities are currently verifying the validity of the firearm licenses for the weapons.
At SOCU headquarters, an attorney representing the Mohameds faced difficulties as access to meet with the three detained individuals was denied. Mohamed expressed his belief that the police actions were politically directed.
Currently, Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are contesting an extradition request by the US government, facing allegations of mail and wire fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering related to gold exports.
