By: Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Court of Appeal delivered a major blow to the legal defense of Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, unanimously rejecting their claims of political bias in the ongoing U.S. extradition proceedings. The decision effectively clears the path for the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to proceed with the committal hearing.
The Unanimous Decision
The appellate bench, led by Acting Chancellor Roxane George and including Justices Rishi Persaud and Nareshwar Harnanan, upheld the February 4 decision of the High Court, which had originally dismissed the duo’s attempt to quash the “Authority to Proceed” (ATP) issued by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond.
- Administrative Duty: Chancellor George underscored that the Minister’s role in issuing an ATP under the Fugitive Offenders Act is purely administrative and executive, not judicial. She clarified that once the statutory requirements are met, the ATP must be issued.
- No Evidence of Bias: The Court found “absolutely no merit” in the argument that the Minister acted with political bias. Furthermore, it rejected claims that legal advice from Attorney General Anil Nandlall was tainted, noting that such counsel falls within his constitutional responsibilities.
- No Delegation Required: The Court dismissed the defense’s contention that the Minister or the Attorney General should have delegated their roles, noting there is no legal basis or identified alternative authority to do so.
Costly Legal Setback
Beyond dismissing the appeal, the Court of Appeal imposed significant financial penalties on the appellants.
- Legal Costs: The Mohameds were ordered to pay $1.1 million each in costs to both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Attorney General.
- Stay Refused: The Court declined to grant a stay of the ongoing proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court level, indicating that any further stay application should be directed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The Road Ahead: CCJ and Magistrates’ Court
Despite the ruling, the legal battle is far from over.
- CCJ Intent: Defense attorneys have indicated their intention to appeal this decision to the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s highest court of appeal.
- Committal Hearing: In the interim, the substantial committal hearing continues before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. This follows a separate reprimand on Monday regarding the Mohameds’ compliance with bail reporting schedules.
Case Summary: The U.S. Indictment
The extradition request stems from an 11-count federal indictment returned in late 2025 in Miami, Florida.
- The Charges: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and mail fraud.
- The Allegations: Participation in a multi-year scheme involving Mohamed’s Enterprise to evade over US$50 million in Guyanese taxes and royalties through fraudulent gold export practices.
