The Guyana Government is yet to receive from authorities in the United States, information it requested concerning bombshell revelations of money laundering and gold smuggling allegedly perpetrated by the Mohameds, a wealthy Guyanese family.
Earlier in June this year, Shell Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, along with a high-ranking government official, Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas, were officially sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. A report, with preliminary findings were released detailing corruption and massive kickbacks.
Later that month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed concerns about the impact of the sanctions imposed on the trio. He acknowledged the seriousness of the sanctions but noted that no significant adverse effects on the local economy had been observed. Despite this, the President stated that his government had already requested additional information from the U.S. regarding the investigation and the subsequent blacklisting. This information, he explained, would help guide the government’s response to the matter. In the meantime, the government has severed all ties with the Mohammeds, the President confirmed.
Now, four months later, the government is yet to receive that information. Despite this, the government continues to keep the Mohameds at arms-length.
According to the Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, “the original position stands”.
“I’ve not personally followed up on the issue for the last, maybe, couple of months, but as of now, I’m aware that we have not received the information requested of the US government at this point in time,” he said.
The Vice-President added that there is an active investigation being conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and that he would prefer not to comment on the matter at this time.
“I will never call SOCU to ask them about the state of the investigation,” he said, recognising the independence of the unit.
