Another gold smuggler charged

Ivan Anthony Scipio, a 52-year-old painter residing on Durban Street in Georgetown was charged with the illegal export of gold earlier this week. Scipio, who is a US citizen, faces allegations under Section 8 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01, for attempting to export gold without the requisite license.

The charges follow an incident on July 3, 2024, when Scipio was apprehended by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (Narcotics Branch) and officials from the Guyana Revenue Authority at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Scipio was preparing to board a flight to New York when authorities seized several pieces of gold jewelry and raw gold valued at approximately $6.7 million. Scipio allegedly failed to declare the gold to customs and did not present the necessary export licenses.

Investigations indicate that Scipio may have been engaged in illegal gold exports for some time, with evidence suggesting he has previously evaded detection.

On June 25, 2024, Scipio appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrates Court. He entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. Bail was granted in the amount of $800,000, with the condition that Scipio report to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) on the last Friday of each month. The case is set for further proceedings on August 19, 2024. SOCU is continuing its investigation into possible money laundering connections related to the case.