Involved in ‘Kickback’ Scheme
On June 4, 2025, High Court Judge Justice Peter Hugh ordered the forfeiture of ten million Guyana dollars (GD$10,000,000) from businessman Naitram Outar, known as ‘Sweetman,’ due to his involvement in fraud, bribery, and money laundering.
The court directed the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) to seize the funds, deeming them tainted property and proceeds of crime. The forfeited amount will be paid into the Consolidated Fund as stipulated by Section 82 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Cap. 10:11.
Circumstances of Forfeiture
The confiscation stems from an operation conducted by SOCU and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on July 15, 2024. During a search of Outar’s property in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, law enforcement discovered GD$10,000,000 in cash. Outar was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the funds, which led to their seizure and a subsequent money laundering investigation.
The investigation revealed that in May 2024, Outar conspired with another businessman to purchase two acres of land at Ogle for GD$50,000,000 from associates of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA). Outar was responsible for arranging the transaction, with GD$40,000,000 designated for the purchase and the remaining GD$10,000,000 intended as a kickback.
SOCU’s Warning
As investigations continue against others involved in this corruption scheme, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, head of SOCU, issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to corrupt the system. “The long arm of the law will catch up with them, and they will not escape SOCU’s dragnet,” he stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to tackling corruption.
The court ruled in favor of SOCU, and the agency was represented by Attorney-at-Law and Prosecutor Mr. David Brathwaite.
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