The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an investigation into what it alleges were unlawful motor vehicle transfers involving We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Leader and presumptive Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, a claim he has categorically rejected, describing the move as politically motivated persecution.
In a statement issued on Friday, the GRA said it is “presently investigating several Employees who may have aided and abetted Mr. Azruddin Mohamed in the transfer of several motor vehicles between November 27, 2025, and December 5, 2025, in breach of both regulations associated with the transfer of motor vehicles and AML regulations.”
According to the Authority, a review of its records showed that “the identical employees were responsible for the off premises examination of the vehicles, lodgement, approval of the transfer documents, and the dispatch and receipt of payment to effect the said transfers,” with many transferees reportedly residing at similar addresses in Republic Park, Atlantic Gardens, and Hill Top, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The GRA said investigations so far have identified eleven transfers, including luxury vehicles.
The Authority warned that “all participants in these illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with arrests expected shortly,” adding that its international partners have been informed. The GRA also urged members of the public to report illicit activities, assuring confidentiality and possible rewards under the Customs Act.
Mohamed, however, issued a lengthy response late Friday, stating that he “observed this evening a bizarre statement from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)” and that he “categorically reject[s] that allegation.”
“I wish to make clear that I sold and transferred eleven vehicles to third-parties in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations of Guyana,” Mohamed said, adding that he publicly challenges the GRA “to identify a single law that I broke in pursuit of my right to dispose of my property as I see fit.”
Contrary to the GRA’s assertion that luxury vehicles were among those transferred, Mohamed said, “These were not luxury vehicles that were transferred like, for instance, my Lamborghini. They were all third-hand vehicles which were registered in Guyana – some as long ago as twelve years,” including models such as a Toyota Allion, Toyota Fielder, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Toyota Crown.
Mohamed framed the investigation as part of what he described as “a sustained campaign of persecution against me and my family, driven solely by my outspoken criticism of, and exposure of corruption within, the present Government.” He claimed he had recently uncovered “devastating evidence implicating sitting Ministers of Government who have amassed extraordinary and unexplained wealth within the last five years.”
He further alleged that the Government instructed insurance companies to cease doing business with him, leaving his vehicles uninsurable. Citing a previous incident, Mohamed said that after he drove his Lamborghini to Parliament, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo publicly called on the Police Commissioner to take action. “On the very next morning, less than twenty-four hours later, a police officer followed my wife when she was dropping my children to school and arrested her for trivial traffic infractions including a breach of insurance,” he said.
Mohamed argued that these circumstances forced him to sell his vehicles and defended GRA staff involved in the transactions, saying they “fearlessly adhered to the law and performed their public duties.” He claimed that “at least one very junior female employee has been arrested and detained and several others are in jeopardy of losing their livelihoods.”
The WIN leader also disputed any suggestion that a vehicle was transferred in breach of importation conditions, stating, “There is no law in Guyana that prohibits the importation, ownership, transfer, or use of bullet-proof vehicles or vehicles fitted with security features.” He added that the vehicle in question “was inspected twice in its present condition—once upon importation and again prior to its transfer.”
Appealing directly to Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, Mohamed called for intervention “to prevent the continued political weaponisation of this important national institution,” arguing that greater scrutiny should instead be placed on oil companies and foreign businesses to ensure proper tax compliance.
The GRA has not yet responded to Mohamed’s specific rebuttals or his claims of political interference, but said investigations remain ongoing and arrests are expected.
