In a recent press conference, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and Vice President of Guyana, announced that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will conduct a thorough investigation into businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed following the September 1 General and Regional Elections. Jagdeo emphasized that this decision aims to avoid politicizing the investigation during the final weeks of the campaign.
Jagdeo stated, “State agencies should put things on pause until after the elections and then thoroughly investigate these claims,” insisting that if credible evidence is found, charges should be filed. He linked the timing of the investigation to national sensitivities, asserting, “This is our territorial integrity and sovereignty at stake.”
The controversy stems from allegations that Nazar Mohamed visited the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown, with Jagdeo claiming that these visits were not isolated incidents. He questioned the family’s intentions, asking, “Why would people want to go for a Venezuelan visa at this time?” Jagdeo urged the Mohameds to publicly deny the visit or clarify its purpose.
His statements follow comments from Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, who revealed that the Venezuelan Ambassador confirmed that members of the Mohamed family had applied for visas. Todd framed the situation as a potential threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and raised concerns about election interference.
The Mohameds have faced scrutiny since U.S. Congress members labeled Azruddin Mohamed as “Maduro’s puppet.” Both Azruddin and Nazar have denied the allegations and the claims regarding their embassy visits. However, Jagdeo referred to the situation as a “family enterprise,” insisting that public clarifications are necessary given the geopolitical implications.
Jagdeo challenged the Mohameds directly, saying, “Prove me a liar now. I am willing to stake my entire political career on the fact that he did go to the Venezuelan Embassy.” He also referenced a past controversial visit by the Mohameds to Barbados, speculated to involve a meeting with U.S. prosecutors regarding legal issues.
Jagdeo suggested that the timing of the embassy visit could be connected to ongoing legal troubles faced by the Mohameds, who are under U.S. sanctions for alleged gold smuggling and are also charged with tax evasion in Guyana. President Irfaan Ali has previously categorized the sanctioned businessman as a risk to the country’s financial stability and sovereignty.
In light of the upcoming elections, the Mohameds’ actions continue to raise questions about their potential implications for national security and the integrity of the electoral process.
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