By Mark DaCosta-Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Calvin Brutus has reportedly filed a civil lawsuit seeking over GYD$400 million in damages, accusing several high-ranking members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of misconduct and malfeasance in public office. The lawsuit was filed on November 19. In addition to his legal action, Brutus is demanding an independent investigation.
Malfeasance in public office refers to the wrongful, unlawful, or corrupt conduct by a public official in the exercise of their duties. It involves actions or decisions that go beyond the legal powers and responsibilities of an officeholder, often for personal gain or to harm others. In the case of Brutus’ lawsuit, the alleged malfeasance likely concerns misconduct by several senior officers within the police force, who he claims acted outside their authority.
Brutus’ legal battle, on the face of it, appears to be multifaceted. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding GYD$400 million, which Brutus’ legal team reportedly asserts is far below the scale of the harm he alleges was caused by the misconduct. The senior officer – according to reports in the public domain – has accused various members of the GPF and SOCU, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Assistant Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh, of conspiring against him and attempting to tarnish his reputation and career.
According to Brutus’ legal representatives, the actions taken against him, including the criminal charges and investigations, are part of a broader scheme of harassment. The lawsuit itself specifically targets the alleged unlawful actions of the police officials involved, accusing them of overreach in their positions and of acting beyond the bounds of their authority.
Brutus’ legal team, comprising some six attorneys, has reportedly declared their client’s resolve to pursue the matter to the highest level of accountability. They also warn that the actions of the accused officers could expose them to both civil and criminal liability. The lawsuit outlines that while Brutus is currently seeking damages, he is also reserving the right to file criminal charges, should the situation require it.
One of the key demands by Brutus is for an independent, transparent investigation into the alleged misconduct. His lawyers have called for an impartial inquiry, one that is free from the influence of local law enforcement, to ensure an objective review of the situation. Specifically, they have suggested that an international team of experts be tasked with investigating the claims to avoid potential bias or corruption that might arise from within the local police force.
Furthermore, Brutus has expressed his willingness to subject himself to a polygraph test, which he has proposed be administered by internationally recognised bodies such as the FBI or Scotland Yard. This, he claims, would help verify the truthfulness of his allegations and demonstrate his commitment to full transparency.
Brutus’ lawyers have also called for the establishment of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to further scrutinise the actions of those named in the civil suit. They are apparently of the view that such a commission, populated by international experts, would help ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and without political interference.
This legal action is set against the backdrop of a high-profile investigation led by SOCU, which has resulted in over 200 criminal charges against Brutus. These charges, which include money laundering, misconduct in public office, and larceny, stem from an investigation into large deposits into Brutus’ financial accounts, as well as accounts linked to his wife and associates. The investigation was triggered by concerns over these suspicious financial transactions, totalling in excess of GYD$800 million.
The charges filed against Brutus include allegations of financial improprieties, with investigators pointing to numerous accounts held under his name, his wife’s name, and companies linked to them. The High Court has since frozen many of these accounts. Brutus has denied all allegations and remains adamant that he is the victim of a conspiracy.
The ongoing legal saga surrounding ACP Calvin Brutus has captured significant attention within Guyana, with many viewing the case as a pivotal moment for both the police force and the nation’s broader legal system. Brutus’ legal action, his calls for an independent investigation and his willingness to subject himself to polygraph tests are the most recent developments garnering significant public attention and discussion.
