HGP Nightly News – A police sergeant detained over an alleged driver’s licence fraud scheme has reportedly told investigators that senior members of the Guyana Police Force were involved and that he was required to distribute more than G$1.5 million in bribes weekly.
The sergeant, who is attached to the Licensing and Certifying Office at the Springlands Police Station in Region Six, has been placed under close arrest as the Special Organised Crime Unit investigates the allegations.
SOCU ranks reportedly intercepted motorcar PAG 3344 while it was being driven by the sergeant. During a search, investigators allegedly discovered a haversack containing 94 competency letters issued in the names of different individuals seeking various classes of licences.
None of the persons named was reportedly from the Springlands area.
Investigators also allegedly found G$564,000 and US$40 in cash inside the vehicle. The sergeant was reportedly unable to provide investigators with a satisfactory explanation for the documents and money.
SOCU ranks subsequently searched the Springlands Licensing and Certifying Office, where they allegedly found two additional competency books containing 61 entries.
Preliminary information reportedly indicated that practical examinations had not been completed, although certificates of competence had already been prepared in the applicants’ names.
The books and other records from the licensing office were seized for examination.
During questioning, the sergeant reportedly denied operating the alleged scheme solely for his benefit and implicated several senior police officers. He allegedly claimed that he was required to pay out more than G$1.5 million each week.
Those claims have not been independently verified, and no senior officer has been charged or publicly identified as a suspect. The allegations remain under investigation.
Reports also suggest that the sergeant was previously detained by SOCU over alleged corrupt practices before returning to licensing duties at Springlands. Claims concerning the circumstances of his reported release and reinstatement have not been officially confirmed.
SOCU is expected to question additional police officers and civilians as investigators examine the seized records and attempt to determine whether licences were issued without applicants completing the legally required tests.
No charges have yet been announced, and all persons implicated remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty before a court.
