Attorney General Anil Nandlall has raised serious concerns over the potential election of U.S.-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed to Guyana’s Parliament, warning that such a scenario could lead to significant financial and diplomatic repercussions for the country.
During his weekly program, Issues in the News, Nandlall emphasized, “If he’s elected, he becomes part of the government. And there are going to be repercussions. That is a fact.” Mohamed, a prominent gold dealer, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 due to allegations of corruption, bribery, and involvement in large-scale gold smuggling.
The OFAC sanctions indicate that any individual or entity engaging in business with a sanctioned person risks facing sanctions themselves. Nandlall made it clear that this warning is not merely hypothetical: “Non-U.S. persons can also be sanctioned for dealing with sanctioned entities.”
Nandlall pointed to the immediate impact of the sanctions, noting that commercial banks have begun revoking accounts associated with Mohamed and his affiliates as part of de-risking measures under global anti-money laundering regulations. “One commercial bank started it, now another has begun shutting down young people’s accounts just for being associated with him,” he explained.
He cautioned that allowing sanctioned individuals into political power could jeopardize the entire governance structure, potentially leading Guyana back to a vulnerable state reminiscent of its past blacklisting due to inadequate financial oversight.
The Attorney General urged voters to recognize the broader implications of electing a sanctioned individual. “This is not about political interference or targeting a specific candidate, but about protecting the integrity of Guyana’s financial and governance systems,” he stated.
Nandlall also criticized what he described as a public relations campaign by Mohamed’s camp aimed at deflecting attention from the sanctions. He alleged that local media and online commentators are being manipulated to shift focus away from Mohamed’s actions.
While acknowledging that Mohamed has met all legal requirements to run for office, Nandlall implored the electorate to consider the potential risks associated with his election. “Every Guyanese has a responsibility to consider what electing a sanctioned individual really means for the country,” he said.
As Guyana seeks to maintain international credibility and financial stability, Nandlall emphasized, “We can’t sugar-coat this. The threats are clear. The question is: do we want to bring that into our Parliament?”
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