The fate of two prominent Guyanese businessmen hangs in the balance as the United States looms large in their future. But here's where it gets controversial: Attorney General Anil Nandlall has unequivocally stated that Guyana will extradite Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, to the U.S. if a formal request is made. This declaration has sparked intense debate, with some questioning the implications for sovereignty and others applauding the commitment to international legal cooperation.
During his Tuesday program, Issues in the News, Nandlall emphasized that the indictments against the Mohameds, stemming from a U.S. District Court investigation in Florida, should come as no surprise. The duo, sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2024, faces 11 criminal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. These charges are primarily tied to their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises, and its gold export activities to the U.S.
And this is the part most people miss: Nandlall argued that the OFAC sanctions were an early indicator of the impending legal action. “These indictments were not sudden; they were a long time coming,” he explained, highlighting the historical context of U.S.-Guyana legal cooperation.
The extradition process, Nandlall clarified, is not optional for Guyana once the U.S. initiates a request. This obligation is rooted in a legal framework comprising a 1931 treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States and the Fugitive Offenders Act, amended in 2024. Nandlall proudly noted that Guyana’s commitment to extradition requests dates back to its colonial era, with no known refusals in its independent history. “Our relationship is built on mutuality and reciprocity,” he added.
Here’s the kicker: While Guyana awaits the official U.S. request, Nandlall dismissed claims by Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the WIN Party, that the charges are politically motivated by the ruling PPP. He labeled such allegations “outrageous,” questioning how a local party could influence the formidable U.S. Department of Justice. “It’s absurd to think the PPP could sway U.S. law enforcement to pursue its agenda,” he stated.
The Mohameds are accused of defrauding both the U.S. and Guyanese governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024, through illegal gold exports and fraudulent communications. As Guyana prepares for the legal proceedings, the case raises broader questions about international law, political influence, and the boundaries of national sovereignty.
What do you think? Is Guyana’s extradition stance a necessary commitment to justice, or does it raise concerns about external influence? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
