Azruddin Mohamed and his father, prominent businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, were arrested in Georgetown today shortly after Guyanese authorities confirmed receipt of a formal extradition request from the United States. The move marks a significant escalation in the high-profile U.S. criminal case targeting the once-powerful gold-exporting family.
Azruddin was detained along Smyth Street, while his father was taken into custody at another city location. Officials say both men will now face judicial proceedings related to the U.S. request as Guyana begins the formal extradition process.
The Mohameds are accused by American federal prosecutors of operating an elaborate gold-smuggling and financial-fraud network between 2017 and June 2024, allegedly under-declaring gold shipments, evading taxes and royalties, and moving illicit proceeds through international channels. The case, filed in the Southern District of Florida, includes 11 criminal counts such as wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
The arrests follow sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024, which accused the family of defrauding Guyana’s revenue system and manipulating the gold-export trade for personal gain. U.S. authorities claim the men enriched themselves by bypassing legal reporting requirements and submitting falsified export information.
Guyana has repeatedly stated that it will honour its international obligations and cooperate fully with Washington. Senior legal officials have emphasised that the extradition treaty framework is active and that due process will guide the proceedings.
The development comes at a sensitive political moment. Azruddin Mohamed, who recently launched the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party, had been slated to enter Parliament next week. His swearing-in now appears to be on hold, leaving the future of his political movement uncertain.
With both men in custody and the extradition request now activated, the case is expected to intensify in the coming days as Guyanese and U.S. authorities coordinate legal procedures and court schedules.