Azruddin Mohamed Security Officer Detained in ‘Paper Shorts’ Murder Probe

Police have reportedly detained Mark Richmond, a security officer attached to Team Mohamed, for questioning in connection with the March 2021 murder of Ricardo Fagundes, popularly known as “Paper Shorts,” in a dramatic development in one of Guyana’s most high-profile unsolved killings.

According to a Kaieteur News report, Richmond was taken into custody almost four years after Fagundes was gunned down outside the Palm Court nightclub on Main Street, Georgetown, on March 21, 2021.

Richmond had been identified as a suspect during the early stages of the investigation but was never arrested. He subsequently filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Detective Sergeant Dion Bascom, alleging that the police officer had falsely implicated him in the murder.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed defended his security officer, insisting that Richmond is innocent of the allegations.

Mohamed claimed investigators have failed to pursue another person of interest despite allegedly knowing who owns the vehicle used in the killing.

“He claims that police are overlooking another individual of interest,” Kaieteur News reported.

Mohamed further alleged that investigators know to whom the vehicle allegedly used in the murder is registered but have not questioned that individual.

The Opposition Leader also questioned the timing of Richmond’s detention, suggesting it may be connected to his recent public disclosures concerning President Irfaan Ali’s controversial Long Creek ranch, which has dominated political debate in recent days. The opposition leader also called for the president’s resignation in light of the controversy.

Mohamed said he believes the detention of his security officer “might be in connection with his recent exposure of the President’s multi-billion-dollar farm.”

The Guyana Police Force had not issued an official statement up to press time confirming Richmond’s detention or indicating whether he has been arrested or is assisting investigators with their inquiries.

The killing of Fagundes remains one of the country’s most notorious unsolved murders. The businessman was shot dead by heavily armed assailants shortly after leaving Palm Court, sparking a wide-ranging investigation that has since been overshadowed by allegations of police interference.

The investigation came under intense public scrutiny in August 2022 after Detective Sergeant Dion Bascom, in a Facebook Live broadcast that was later removed, alleged that a major police cover-up had impeded the investigation into the murder of Ricardo Fagundes, popularly known as “Paper Shorts.”

Bascom publicly accused senior members of the Guyana Police Force of attempting to derail the investigation and shield those responsible for the killing. His allegations prompted the Government to invite investigators from the Regional Security System (RSS) to conduct an independent probe into the claims.

Despite years of investigations, no one has been charged with Fagundes’ murder.

Richmond’s detention is the latest twist in the long-running case and comes amid renewed political tensions following Mohamed’s recent revelations about President Ali’s Long Creek ranch.