GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Nov. 3 — U.S. attorney Glenn Hanoman told a Georgetown court Tuesday that there is “strong and compelling evidence” supporting a murder charge against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed in the 2021 execution-style killing of gold dealer Ricardo “Paper Shorts” Fagundes, citing the allegation as another ground for revoking Mohamed’s bail in ongoing extradition proceedings.
Hanoman told Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman that statements obtained from an alleged co-conspirator provided evidence that could support a murder prosecution against Mohamed, who is already facing several criminal allegations in Guyana and the United States.
“I happen to note that there is strong and compelling evidence that supports a murder charge,” Hanoman submitted, adding that the opposition leader could face a murder charge very shortly.
Fagundes was gunned down outside Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown, on March 21, 2021, in an execution-style shooting that has remained under investigation for more than five years.
The latest allegation emerged as prosecutors renewed their efforts to have Mohamed’s bail revoked, citing his mounting legal troubles and concerns about his conduct while on bail.
On Monday, Latchman declined an earlier application to revoke bail for Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, ruling that allegations of misconduct and pending criminal charges, without convictions, were insufficient to justify revocation.
The magistrate said the court retained the authority to reconsider bail if circumstances changed, including if either man were convicted of a criminal offence.
Mohamed is also facing criminal charges stemming from an Oct. 12 incident on Barr Street, Kitty, involving a confrontation with police officers conducting surveillance.
Police alleged that a gunshot was fired during the incident, prompting Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the Special Branch, to return fire.
Mohamed was subsequently charged with offences involving alleged illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm with intent and attempted witness intimidation.
A separate investigation has also resulted in charges against two police constables over the alleged disclosure of surveillance footage connected to the incident.
Investigators allege that G$800,000 was paid to obtain the footage. Constable Ryan Greene was charged and remanded, while Constable Ashton Chappelle was subsequently charged and remanded in connection with the investigation.
The opposition leader’s legal difficulties extend to the United States, where federal prosecutors are seeking his extradition alongside his father on charges arising from an alleged multimillion-dollar gold-export scheme.
The two men are accused in an 11-count indictment of conspiring to evade more than US$50 million in taxes and royalties through the under-declaration of gold exports.
Azruddin Mohamed is also implicated in a separate U.S. indictment involving the importation of a luxury Lamborghini from Miami. Prosecutors allege that an undervalued invoice was used to evade more than US$1 million in taxes.
The extradition proceedings are aimed at determining whether the Mohameds should be surrendered to U.S. authorities to face trial in Florida.