Mr. Editor,
In the beginning when word broke out about a possible Ponzi scheme operation here in Guyana, Accelerated Capital Firm (ACF) came under the microscope. It was at the beginning of this investigation that our Attorney General made public pronouncements that ensured the Guyanese people that their monies would be refunded to them, approximately 17000 people. I applauded this because I am a firm believer in what is right and if ACF was acting unlawfully then their practices must be halted immediately.
Yuri and Ateeka, Principal owners of ACF, were taken into police custody in August, 2020, for running an alleged Ponzi scheme. Yuri and Ateeka were charged with multiple counts of fraud which lead to their bail amounting to approximately 30 million dollars. The lawyer, Mr. Todd fought tirelessly to ensure they were at least granted bail so that an opportunity could open whereby people could have been refunded their investments. Throughout this process the Attorney General was neither here nor there. Yuri and Ateeka were eventually released and proceeded home under self-quarantine. At the end of the quarantine they ensured that they committed to their word and began the process of refunding everyone their investments. A database was created with all investors to begin what might have appeared to be a lengthy but much needed and welcomed process by approximately 17000 Guyanese.
It was not 3 days after some 27 Guyanese were refunded their monies that Yuri’s residence was raided by police officers. They did this after acquiring a legal document of course called a warrant. The act was sanctioned by the court, a body that is under the authority of the Attorney General I would assume.
I am now confused, saddened, and in shock as to why this was done knowing that it was something the Attorney General was very passionate about when he said the main priority is to ensure the persons who have put money in the scheme are reimbursed. 27 Guyanese to date breathed a sigh of relief as they received their investments while approximately 16973 Guyanese are now experiencing indifferent reactions at the news of a new charge against Yuri. A question I ask myself but have no answer to is, “Why now?”
Where is the Attorney General? The one that swarmed this unlawful act by ACF like ants on a cake left unattended. Please, lend your voice to this situation and provide clarity on how the people are expected to receive their investments when you promised this is what you will ensure happens. Many of us are now wondering, what’s next?
Regards
A concerned Investor
