SOCU Raids Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street; Three Detained Amid “Illicit Finance” Probe
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — In a dramatic escalation of legal pressure on the Leader of the Opposition, the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) conducted a massive joint operation at Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street on Wednesday. The raid, which involved specialized K-9 units and dozens of tactical officers, resulted in the seizure of financial records and the detention of at least three individuals.
The operation comes as Azruddin Mohamed continues to fight a high-profile extradition request from the United States and follows his explosive parliamentary disclosures regarding past political financing.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
SOCU officials confirmed that the raid was executed following “credible intelligence” suggesting that illicit financial activities—specifically unauthorized foreign exchange transactions and money laundering—were being conducted at the premises.
Details of the Raid:
- The Search: Footage obtained by Nightly News shows agents meticulously sifting through filing cabinets and electronic devices. A sniffer dog was also utilized to sweep the building for hidden compartments or illicit materials.
- Seizures: Investigators reportedly uncovered evidence of “unlawful financial operations” and seized several ledger books, computer hard drives, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
- Custody: Three staff members were taken into custody for questioning at SOCU headquarters. Charges are expected to be laid “shortly,” according to a police statement.
“Politically Motivated”: Mohamed Responds
Azruddin Mohamed arrived at the scene shortly after the search commenced, visibly frustrated as he addressed the media outside the cordoned-off business. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claimed that nothing illegal was found during the sweep.
“Since I entered politics and became Leader of the Opposition, this government has systematically targeted me,” Mohamed declared. “This is not law enforcement; this is political persecution intended to shut down my remaining business interests and silence my voice in the National Assembly.”
Mohamed argued that the raid is a direct response to his recent maiden budget speech, in which he publicly claimed to have “bankrolled” the governing PPP/C while they were in opposition.
Patterns of Enforcement
The Lombard Street operation is the third major law enforcement action against Mohamed-linked businesses in the last six months.
- Extradition Context: The raid occurs while Mohamed is on $150,000 bail pending an extradition hearing regarding U.S. charges of gold smuggling and wire fraud.
- License Revocations: The government has recently moved to revoke several of Mohamed’s operating licenses, including his gold dealership and quarrying permits, citing non-compliance and the impact of U.S. sanctions.
Authorities Stand Firm
While the government has not issued a direct rebuttal to Mohamed’s claims of political targeting, SOCU maintained that the action was strictly “intelligence-driven” and conducted in full compliance with Guyana’s laws.
