News Source Guyana Reports | The extradition case involving Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed took an unexpected turn today in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, as their attorney, Siand Dhurjon, suggested that both the U.S. and Guyana governments have a political interest in the extradition under the guise of allegations related to mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and customs crimes.
In invoking Section 8 of the Fugitive Offenders Act, which prohibits extradition if the request is made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing someone based on their political opinions, Dhurjon claimed that there may be reasons beyond mere legalities motivating the request for extradition. He asserted that the Guyanese government may have influenced the U.S. to pursue the extradition of the billionaires.
Dhurjon presented evidence indicating that the Guyanese government had allegedly paid over $700,000 to a lobbying firm in Washington to advocate for the Mohameds’ extradition. “We have evidence, Madam, that the Guyanese Government went as far as paying a lobbying firm specifically to advocate for the vilification of Azruddin Mohamed and his father,” he highlighted, suggesting that the lobbying firm had close connections with U.S. officials and drafted tweets aimed at discrediting the Mohameds, characterizing them as “Maduro Puppets.”
Outside the courtroom, Dhurjon asserted, “The Government uses the machinery of State to try to send away its political opponent. They spend hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars, hire the finest lobbyists to achieve their aims.” He acknowledged that when the Mohameds were initially sanctioned by the U.S. two years ago, the younger Mohamed was not positioned as a political opponent of the government; however, he noted that the extradition request came only late last year.
Dhurjon also challenged the credibility of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand, regarding the chain of custody of the documents related to the Diplomatic Note from the U.S. Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie objected to these lines of questioning, deeming them unmeritorious.
During cross-examination, Roopchand confirmed her long-standing relationship with President Irfaan Ali and clarified her attendance at government functions. She acknowledged learning through news reports about the U.S. sanctions against the Mohameds but could not recall the specific year.
Roopchand faced extensive questioning about statements made by top government officials accusing the Mohameds of criminal activities. Although she couldn’t provide specifics, she admitted the statements were negative.
Lead Prosecutor Terrence Williams expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case, noting that evidence supporting the extradition request had been submitted and that they were preparing for further witness testimonies. The court has been adjourned until February 9, 2026, when Roopchand is expected to return to the witness stand to continue her testimony.
