By Mark DaCosta- In a striking turn of events, the Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) revealed that embattled Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus is linked to nine bank accounts containing a staggering total of $500 million. This revelation comes as part of an investigation into allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct that may lead to over 240 charges against Brutus, amounting to, reportedly, an estimated $800 million in suspected illicit activities.
In a recent court hearing, Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh disclosed that eight of the nine accounts connected to Brutus have been frozen, while only Brutus’s salary account remains accessible. The investigation has raised serious, publicly expressed concerns regarding the financial dealings of Brutus, his wife Adonika Aulder, and their young son, all of whom reportedly have bank-accounts containing large sums of money. Notably, several accounts are associated with companies owned by the Brutus and his wife, including Kytus General Contracting and Holdings Incorporated, which has come under scrutiny for allegedly benefiting from police contracts.
The funds in question are apparently suspected to be proceeds of crime, with investigators apparently alleging that Brutus may have used his position within the police force to facilitate illegal transactions through these businesses. In particular, SOCU highlighted a significant withdrawal of approximately $63.7 million from Brutus’s salary account shortly before he acquired a property linked to him
Justice Gino Persaud recently dismissed Brutus’s application to travel to the United States accompanying his wife for medical treatment, citing the gravity of the situation. The court, through the ruling, is widely seen to have concerns about Brutus and Aulder potentially absconding, given the severe charges looming over them. The judge underscored the public interest in ensuring their presence during the ongoing investigation and any subsequent prosecution.
Brutus’s request to leave the country was met with strong resistance from the state, represented by Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall. The state argued that Brutus had failed to secure the necessary permissions required for public servants to travel, rendering his application invalid. Furthermore, the court noted that Brutus provided no substantial evidence to demonstrate that the medical treatment his wife sought was unavailable in Guyana or that any special circumstances warranted their travel.
The origins of this investigation trace back to July 2024, when Brutus was placed on administrative leave as authorities began probing allegations of financial improprieties. Since then, Brutus has pursued legal action, claiming that the investigation and subsequent actions taken against him violated his rights and that he was not granted a fair hearing. In his constitutional motion, he has argued that the allegations against him were vague and politically motivated.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has publicly distanced the government from Brutus, indicating that the administration will release detailed findings related to alleged corruption during his tenure. He stated that the government will not tolerate corruption within the police force and will take necessary actions against any individual found culpable.
Brutus’s legal team claims he is being unfairly targeted and has highlighted the alleged media leaks that could have compromised his case. They assert that he has faced harassment and intimidation throughout the investigation, calling into question the integrity of the proceedings against him.
The implications of the investigation are profound, not only for Brutus personally but also for the broader credibility of the Guyana Police Force. With the potential for substantial charges related to such significant amounts of money, the case has drawn considerable public interest and scrutiny.
As this high-profile investigation unfolds, all eyes will remain on the judiciary and law enforcement to navigate the complexities of the allegations while ensuring accountability and transparency in public service. The court’s refusal to allow Brutus to travel underscores the seriousness with which these allegations are apparently being treated.
