Auditor General Deodat Sharma revealed to the Guyana Standard today that he will be conducting a special investigation into the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).
His probe comes on the heels of an audit that was conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Audit Department of the Force unearthed damning instances of mismanagement of funds which were set aside for informants, along with other financial improprieties.
Sharma told this news agency that he is yet to receive a copy of the department’s report. He said when agencies conduct such probes, it is the normal practice that a copy is sent to his office. Be that as it may, the AG has put in a formal request for the report. The official said that he would be using it as a guide. He also confirmed that this is the first time a special investigation would be conducted into the financial affairs of SOCU by the Audit Office.
Even though the audit report, which exposed rampant corruption that was taking place at the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) from 2016 to now, called for terminations and transfers, not a single person has been sent home, even on administrative leave.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had told the Guyana Standard that the matter has since been turned over to the Commissioner of Police Leslie James and is awaiting legal advice.
