US sanctions: Jagdeo promises full probe into gold smuggling, corrupt gov’t officials

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday promised that the Government of Guyana and local law enforcement bodies will conduct a full probe into the gold smuggling and corruption claims that prompted United States sanctions on two members of the Mohamed’s family and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas.

“We intend to fully investigate this matter, we intend to prosecute those who break the law, we intend to work in full partnership with the US government,” the Vice President said at a press conference.

According to Jagdeo, the Government of Guyana and the US Government share a strong relationship and the relevant information and documentation from the US probe has been requested.

In fact, he said the government wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, particularly seeking information gathered on corrupt government officials in Guyana.

And he vowed that all culpable parties will be held accountable.

“… we have made it clear from the very beginning that people who break the law will face the consequences and therefore if the Mohamed’s break the law, they will face the consequences.

“But they have, as Guyanese citizens, the right the due process as any other citizen,” Jagdeo said.

Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin, were members of the Mohamed’s family sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury.

Ventures associated with the family: Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing were also sanctioned. Thomas was also implicated in the corruption allegations.

Several US security and law enforcement bodies- from Homeland Security to the Federal Bureau of Investigations- were involved in the US investigations reportedly conducted into the operations of the Mohameds and Thomas.