The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has publicly stated its position on the recent indictment of Azruddin Mohamed, the likely incoming Leader of the Opposition, and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, by a United States (U.S.) federal court on 11 counts of alleged tax fraud. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has also accused the two of under-reporting income between 2019 and 2023, resulting in billions of dollars in unpaid taxes.
The Coalition’s statement comes amid growing public scrutiny and follows comments by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who said the government is prepared to facilitate any extradition request made by U.S. authorities.
In its release, APNU underscored its commitment to due process and equal application of the law.
“Guyana is a country of laws, laws which must be equally and fairly apply to every citizen,” the Coalition said. “We, therefore, expect that the rule of law and principles of natural justice will run their course in the legal process of establishing the Mohameds’ guilt or innocence. We will, therefore, object to any political interference or violation of rights as this matter unfolds.”
The Coalition further called on Azruddin Mohamed to directly and transparently address the charges, particularly given his role as a political leader.
“Considering his new political and constitutional responsibilities to the Guyanese people, [he] must address the charges directly and openly,” the statement read. “He should provide the necessary information or evidence to reassure the public of his compliance with the country’s tax laws and therefore of his innocence. General claims of innocence are not enough.”
APNU noted that as businessmen, the Mohameds should be in possession of relevant documentation regarding the transactions under scrutiny by both local and international agencies.
“We encourage him to reveal them to the Guyanese people,” the Coalition added.
The statement also referenced previous claims made by Mohamed regarding alleged corruption within the current administration. In June, Mohamed released purported text messages with President Irfaan Ali related to the so-called Lamborghini tax scandal. Ali had denied the allegations. More recently, the WIN party leader suggested he could release further revelations.
“Just a few days ago, the WIN leader clearly implied that he is prepared to sing like a canary and make further revelations against government officials,” APNU stated. “The APNU Coalition firmly believes that should Mr. Mohamed have credible evidence of criminal activity by the government or any other officials, he should see it as his civic and moral duty to present such evidence to the police or to the public.”
The Coalition concluded with a sharp critique of Mohamed’s conduct:
“That Mr. Mohamed has instead chosen to leverage the information he claims he possesses to engage in veiled threats is not what the Guyanese people deserve. If he understands his responsibilities as a citizen and as a political leader, he should come clean.”
