Govt suspends Mohamed's security service licence

Govt suspends Mohamed’s security service licence

Mar 30, 2025 News

…have to hand in their guns

Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana has suspended the security service licence of Mohamed’s Enterprise Security Service, a company owned by United States-sanctioned businessman, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed.

Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed

The decision was outlined in a letter dated March 26, 2025, from Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to Mohamed, citing violations under the Private Security Service Act No. 32 of 2009. According to the letter, the suspension took effect immediately and will last 30 days. Mohamed has been given 15 days to show cause as to why the suspension should not be extended until a determination is made on the possible cancellation of the licence.

The suspension was enacted under Section 10(2) of the Act, which allows for temporary suspension of a private security service licence if the Controlling Authority deems it necessary, pending a final decision on revocation. The reasons cited for the action include violations of Subsection (1)(c), which states that the licence holder has violated other laws, and Subsection (1)(i), which pertains to unlawful acts posing a threat to national security or national integrity.

As a result of the suspension, several measures have been mandated in accordance with Section 10(4) of the Act. These include the immediate cessation of security services provided by Mohamed’s Enterprise Security Service, the surrender of all firearms and ammunition to the Guyana Police Force, and informing all clients of the suspension.

Additionally, it was stated that security details of the company are prohibited from wearing uniforms, and all personnel processing and training must halt. All firearm licences and the appointment of all supernumerary constables have been revoked. The company is also prohibited from using its emblem, logo, and badge.

While the letter does not disclose specific details on the alleged violations leading to the suspension, Mohamed now faces the possibility of an extended suspension or outright cancellation of his security service licence, depending on the findings of the Controlling Authority following his response within the given timeframe.

Notably, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C. recently disclosed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) believe they have gathered enough evidence to proceed with actions concerning the sanctions imposed on Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, as well as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae Thomas.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, at his recent press conference, had noted that this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the Mohameds. Nazar Mohamed had accused the members of the government of misrepresenting the sanctions to stifle his business.

To date, the Mohameds’ cambio licence has been revoked and their cabotage permission was not renewed. It was also reported that they are facing issues with authorities in relation to their mining operations. GRA has also initiated a process to go after over $900 million in owed taxes for four high-end vehicles owned by the Mohameds.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned the Mohameds over allegations of tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling, while Thomas was accused of misusing her position to grant government contracts and other benefits to the businessmen. Since the sanctions, the Guyanese government has sought information from U.S. authorities and committed to taking appropriate action once enough evidence was available.

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Clifton Hicke, Mohameds, sanctions, suspension, United States

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