Police Constable Yohance Bourne was arrested on Thursday after he was caught selling a driver’s license illegally during a joint undercover operation conducted by the Guyana Police Force.
The operation was carried out between 16:45 hours and 17:00 hours in the vicinity of Norton and Dubran Streets, Georgetown, by ranks from the Special Branch Headquarters and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The Police Force received information that Constable Bourne was allegedly involved in illegal activities related to the sale of driver’s licences. Following intelligence gathered, an undercover operation was established to catch the officer in the act.
Constable Bourne allegedly demanded $100,000 to facilitate the transaction of obtaining a license without the applicant completing any examination or practical driving test. He further indicated willingness to accept $55,000 upfront along with two passport-sized photographs, a copy of a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, and a national identification card.
As part of the operation, serial numbers from the cash provided were recorded to enable verification.
On Thursday afternoon, the undercover operation unfolded. Constable Bourne met with an undercover officer posing as someone seeking to obtain a driver’s license and collected the provided documents and marked cash.
A surveillance team, led by an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), was positioned nearby and monitored the transaction. Immediately following the exchange, the ASP approached and identified himself and other ranks to Constable Bourne, informing him of the ongoing undercover exercise.
A search was then conducted on the constable. The marked cash and documents were found in his possession. A comparison of the serial numbers confirmed a match with the previously recorded notes, providing clear evidence of the illicit transaction.
Constable Bourne was subsequently arrested on suspicion of demanding money with menace and engaging in corrupt transactions. He was escorted to OPR Headquarters for further investigation.
His cellphone, documents, and the marked cash were lodged at East La Penitence Police Station as evidence.
Further investigations are ongoing as the OPR continues to examine the extent of Constable Bourne’s alleged illegal activities and whether other officers may have been involved in similar corrupt schemes.
The arrest underscores the importance of internal investigations and oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and maintain public trust in the police service.
