By Mark DaCosta- In a significant development regarding the extradition of businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, a fresh hearing took place on Monday, November 24 in Georgetown, with crucial submissions made by the prosecution.
The latest proceedings have underscored the contentious legal battle that is unfolding as the United States seeks their extradition on numerous charges. The matter, generating considerable public interest, has been adjourned until Friday, when the defence team will present their response to the submissions made.
The case revolves around an indictment from a federal grand jury based in Florida, which alleges that both Mohameds are involved in a wide-ranging scheme encompassing financial improprieties, including money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, and various forms of fraud.
The charges against them stem from activities purportedly linked to extensive gold smuggling operations that occurred from 2017 to 2024, during which significant amounts of gold were allegedly acquired through illicit means, resulting in over U.S$50 million in tax evasion against our government.
Further complicating the scenario, the duo was previously blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury for their involvement in smuggling over 10,000 kilograms of gold and for allegedly engaging in corrupt practices with local officials.
The courtroom yesterday, presided over by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, saw the prosecution make strides in presenting what they termed a comprehensive disclosure related to the charges. This progress was marked by the submission of further documentation. This means that the prosecution has now disclosed all the information it has, and this will now allow the defence team to formulate its case.
Azruddin and his father were apprehended in Georgetown on October 31, 2025, after the U.S. formalised its extradition request. With their immense influence, they quickly regained freedom that same day, having posted bail of 150,000 Guyanese dollars each, while also surrendering their passports. They are required to report to the court weekly, marking an unusual juxtaposition of power and accountability in our legal system.
The Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C, has articulated that the extradition process is driven by a longstanding treaty established in 1931 between the United Kingdom and the United States. However, the extradition proceedings have faced a temporary halt as of earlier this month.
This suspension was prompted by the introduction of so-called “new evidence” supplied by American investigators. The implications of this evidence may serve as a potential turning point, raising questions about the veracity of the accusations levied against the Mohameds.
The defence team, comprising notable legal figures Roysdale Forde S.C, Siand Dhurjon, and Damien DaSilva, has been vocal about their position, asserting that many of the charges do not qualify as extraditable under our country’s legal framework or the terms stipulated in the extradition treaty with the United States.
The Mohameds’ assertion of injustice is likely to lead to prolonged legal manoeuvring, possibly involving appeals to Guyana’s court of last resort, the Caribbean Court of Justice. Such a drawn-out process may test the resilience of our legal system and the appetite for political interference.
Political dimensions surrounding this case cannot be overlooked, particularly considering Azruddin Mohamed’s prominent role as the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which recently won a noteworthy number of parliamentary seats in the September 2025 elections.
Mohamed’s claims of political witch-hunt abound, suggesting that the current government’s actions may not be entirely above board, but rather tinted by a desire to undermine his rising political influence.
As the date for the next court session approaches, speculation is rife regarding the implications of the ongoing proceedings. Given the gravity of the charges, the audacity of the alleged conduct, and the political backdrop, the outcome of this case holds not only implications for the Mohameds but also for the broader political landscape.
