Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has dismissed as “utterly ridiculous” any suggestion that recent criminal charges brought by United States authorities against two Guyanese businessmen were politically driven.
Speaking on his weekly programme Issues in the News, the Attorney General addressed the indictment of Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed — father and son — who now face 11 counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering following investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Nandlall made it clear that the matter rests entirely within the jurisdiction of the U.S. judicial system, and bears no connection to any political entity in Guyana.
“To argue that the People’s Progressive Party or the Government of Guyana could influence the U.S. Department of Justice or its enforcement agencies is beyond absurd,” Nandlall said. “Such thinking defies logic and the very structure of international justice.”
The Attorney General noted that a review of the indictment clearly shows that the alleged offences stretch back to 2017, long before the current administration assumed office in August 2020.
He explained that the case traverses multiple governments in both the United States and Guyana, with some of the most recent activities cited as occurring in 2024.
“This is a process that began years ago,” he said. “It spans two different U.S. administrations and two Guyanese governments. Any claim of political interference simply collapses under the weight of the facts.”
Turning to the legal implications, Nandlall outlined the standard extradition procedures that would follow should the United States formally request the surrender of the accused.
He explained that Guyana’s Fugitive Offenders Act governs such matters and provides a well-defined judicial pathway.
“This is not new territory for Guyana,” he stated. “We have processed numerous extraditions for the U.S. and other countries. Only this year, one was completed for the United States and another for Canada.”
The Attorney General underscored that Guyana remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations under treaties and bilateral arrangements based on mutual respect and reciprocity.
“Guyana stands ready and willing to execute its responsibilities under the extradition framework with the United States,” he said. “Our role is to ensure the law is followed without fear or favour.”
According to U.S. court filings dated October 2, 2025, the case paints a seven-year narrative of alleged financial deceit tied to the gold export trade — stretching from Georgetown to Miami, and from Dubai to California.
Investigators allege that the Mohameds orchestrated a scheme to evade taxes and conceal proceeds through complex financial channels.
The indictment references several sections of U.S. federal law, including provisions under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349, 1343, 1341, 1956(h), 981(a)(1)(C), and 982(a)(1), which relate to fraud, money laundering, and the forfeiture of assets obtained through unlawful means.
Nandlall reiterated that the Guyanese Government has no involvement in or influence over the proceedings, stressing that the matter is one of law, not politics.
“The narrative of persecution is a smokescreen,” he said. “This case is before a U.S. court, built on evidence gathered by U.S. agencies, and will be determined by U.S. law.”
He concluded that Guyana’s focus remains on ensuring the rule of law prevails, both domestically and in its international engagements.
“We are a nation that respects due process,” he affirmed. “Justice, not politics, must determine the outcome.”