The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), yesterday laid 268 charges of conspiracy to launder over $4.1B against a Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) family. The Guyana Police Force said the family was under close watch for nearly three years. Yesterday, the family tried to escape, after receiving information that ranks from SOCU were onto them.
Those arraigned were Kenneth Kellawan Ramnarine, a taxi driver; Damian Brandon Ramnarine, a salesman; and Yevette Nalini Saroop, a businesswoman, all of Lot 274 Somerset Court, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. Kenneth Ramnarine and Yevette Saroop are reputed husband and wife, while Damian is Kenneth’s son. Kenneth and Damian Ramnarine were charged jointly, while Saroop was charged separately.
At the Georgetown Magistrates Court, Kenneth Ramnarine appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, where he was not required to plead to 41 indictable money laundering charges. Damian Ramnarine is reportedly missing, as he did not appear in court. His attorney undertook to surrender him soon to SOCU.
A summary of all the charges read that the cash in question, whether in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents proceeds of crime.
The 134 charges were also instituted against Saroop. She was however arraigned at the Diamond/Grove Magistrates Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, where she was not required to plead to the indictable charges.
Her husband was remanded until March 6, 2023. She was also remanded to prison.
More charges are expected to be laid today.
