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SOCU will not be dismantled- If any impropriety, actions will be taken- Pres. Granger
President David Granger yesterday made it clear that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is not going anywhere soon.
Rather, if there is impropriety found, there will be actions.
Speaking with reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency, yesterday, shortly after swearing in two new members of the Public Utilities Commission, the president insisted that SOCU is not a free agent.
The unit was established under the previous administration and began to focus especially on financial and money laundering crimes from 2015 when the Coalition Government came to office.
However, with the arrests and charges of the number of Opposition’s officials for a number of alleged crimes, the unit has been coming under criticisms for the cases which dragged on waiting for advice and even during the investigations.
With a handful of staffers and little resources, the unit has been handling scores of cases, including the controversial National Industrials and Commercials Investments Limited, the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Guyana Rice Development Board.
Several of the cases are in jeopardy, now.
There was a recent audit which suggested that internal financial procedures were not followed with petty cash.
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, recently hinted that there could be a shakeup at the unit.
However, with the resignation of lead investigator, Sheronie James, and sacking of British advisor, Dr. Sam Sittlington, the unit has been shaken to its core.
The government’s committal to fight corruption, using SOCU, has been dented.
According to Granger yesterday, SOCU is an integral part…an organic part of the Guyana Police Force,
He noted that SOCU’s head, Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James, is a police officer.
“…And the Police Commissioner and the Minister of Public Security presumably will take the necessary actions to ensure the unit continues to enjoy the confidence of the public.
“I have taken note and I agree with the Minister of Public Security that if there is any impropriety or misconduct- it is an organic part of the police force; it is not a free agent, it is not a loose cannon… and we will ensure that the public confidence in SOCU remains.”
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