GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., has rejected claims of political interference in the government’s handling of extradition requests, saying Guyana is legally obligated under international treaties to act when such requests are properly made.
Speaking during an interview with the state-run National Communications Network (NCN), Nandlall said the recent extradition request involving prominent businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, was initiated by the United States government and processed in keeping with established legal procedures.
“The government has no discretion when it comes to extradition. Once the request meets the requirements of the treaty and our domestic laws, we are duty-bound to act,” he said.
The Attorney General said the formal request arrived on October 31 and was transmitted through official diplomatic channels. He added that the government had no control over the timing of the submission, emphasizing that “this is not a political issue — it’s a legal one.”
The Mohameds, who operate Mohamed’s Enterprise, were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June for alleged large-scale financial crimes, including money laundering and gold smuggling. Both men have denied wrongdoing.
Nandlall said the Mohameds were aware an extradition request was pending, noting that U.S. authorities had delayed its submission until after Guyana’s local election period.
“There is no politician or public official above the law,” he said. “No opposition leader or any member of parliament is to be insulated or immunised from legal liability.”
Opposition figures have criticized the timing of the request, arguing it could have political implications. However, Nandlall maintained that the process is guided entirely by law and international treaty obligations.
He also disclosed that Guyana is expecting additional extradition requests in the coming days.
(Source: Department of Public Information )