Cops smash gold smuggling ring

Mar 07, 2025 News

—Two Brazilians arrested, large quantity of gold and $26M seized

Arrested: Erizangela Regia De Olivera

Kaieteur News- Two Brazilians have been arrested and a large quantity of gold and $26 million in cash have been seized by authorities on Wednesday when a gold smuggling operation was dismantled in Region 9.

Arrested: Albina Filho Alves Vieira

The suspected gold smugglers were identified as, Albina Filho Alves Vieira, a 42-year-old salesman of 55 Boa Vista, Brazil and Erizangela Regia De Olivera, a 39-year-old clothes vendor of Lot 3 Boa Vista, Brazil.

Police in a statement said that the arrests and seizures were carried out by a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led joint-operation in Lethem, Region 9.

SOCU’s Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh said that his officers were able to disrupt the smuggling operation before the gold could be moved across the border.

“The operation also serves as a warning to individuals and groups engaged in such illicit activities that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and proactive in their enforcement efforts,” Karimbaksh stated.

Further, police said that it remains resolute in its mission to combat gold smuggling and dismantling networks involved in illegal activities.

“Officials continue to monitor and enforce strict measures to hold offenders accountable and prevent further economic losses to the country,” police assured.

Over $26M seized

Investigations are ongoing with a view of prosecution.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s bust follows recent crackdowns by SOCU on gold smuggling in Guyana. Last July, three Chinese nationals were arrested at the Ramada Princess Hotel for allegedly smuggling gold. SOCU ranks had found $50 million (Guyana dollars) in cash, money-counting machines and an illegal firearm during that operation.

(Cops smash gold smuggling ring)

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Brazilians, gold smuggling, money seized, SOCU

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