PNC Demands Probe into Ali’s Role in Tax Scandal, Slams Drug Links

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNC), a leading force within the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, is calling for an independent investigation into President Irfaan Ali’s alleged involvement in a burgeoning tax evasion scandal involving a luxury Lamborghini vehicle.

In a strongly worded press statement, the party accused the President of actively undermining the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and facilitating tax evasion schemes that, they argue, rob the country of crucial public funds.

“The revelations surrounding President Ali’s likely involvement in the Lamborghini tax evasion scandal have reached a point that his denials and counter-accusations are insufficient,” the PNC stated.

The party claims that the issue may be part of a broader pattern of presidential interference in tax enforcement, calling for a probe not only into the Lamborghini case but also into the President’s “regular” alleged involvement in efforts to subvert GRA’s tax collection operations.

Azruddin Mohamed and the PPP

Embattled businessman Azruddin Mohamed has alleged that both Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali were directly involved in facilitating tax clearance for his high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini. According to Mohamed, the interactions took place between August and September 2020, shortly after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returned to government on August 2, 2020.

Mohamed claims it was Jagdeo who initially advised him to speak with President Ali regarding the matter. He maintains that senior members of the ruling PPP—specifically Jagdeo, who also serves as the party’s General Secretary, and President Ali—were instrumental in clearing the vehicle through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

He challenged the PPP leaders to deny his claims, warning that if they did, he would provide evidence. “I am waiting for him to say that it is a lie; and trust me, anytime he comes out and says it is a lie, I’ll show the whole country how dishonourable he is,” Mohamed said, describing President Irfaan Ali as “dishonest and dishonourable.”

Both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo have publicly denied the allegations. In response, Mohamed released a recording via his social media page, showing what appeared to be WhatsApp conversations related to the exchange. President Ali, however, stated that he could not immediately recall any such conversation.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Revenue Authority has taken Mohamed to court over allegations that he failed to pay the appropriate taxes on the Lamborghini, seeking to recover the outstanding sums.

The opposition contends that Guyana loses tens of billions of dollars annually due to smuggling and under-invoicing—losses they say disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. “Tax evasion takes food out of the mouths of Guyanese, especially babies and children,” the statement added, urging voters to remove the Ali administration from office in the upcoming September elections if the allegations prove true.

U.S. Sanctions Add Fuel to Corruption Allegations

The PNC also pointed to recent U.S. sanctions against senior Guyanese law enforcement figures as further evidence of deep-rooted corruption under the current government. Among those sanctioned is Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, the former commander of Region One, who was reportedly on duty during a massive 4.4-tonne cocaine bust in Matthews Ridge last year.

Calling it “an indictment on the Guyana Police Force,” the PNC alleged that Sawh’s involvement confirms long-held suspicions that elements of the GPF are complicit in criminal enterprises, including narco-trafficking. “The Guyana Police Force as presently constituted cannot investigate crime because it is itself a criminal enterprise,” the party charged.

Despite earlier government promises to investigate the drug seizure, the opposition claims that no meaningful progress has been made, accusing the administration of using stalling tactics and empty rhetoric to shield those involved.

Opposition Sees Path to Change

The PNC’s statement paints a bleak picture of governance in Guyana, accusing the Ali administration of forming a “reciprocal relationship with criminal enterprises of all types,” including drug trafficking, gold smuggling, and money laundering. They argue that real change will only come through a change of leadership in the upcoming elections.

“The current friendly environment in Guyana,” the PNC concluded, “will continue to nourish illicit activities until people who are serious, clean, and competent assume the office of government.”

Neither President Ali nor the GRA has issued a formal response to the latest allegations at the time of publication.