Gold smuggling racket busted

Apr 04, 2025 News

…four arrested; over $60M in cash and gold seized

Kaieteur News- Four persons have been arrested and over $60M in cash and gold have been seized by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Some of the money seized by SOCU during its intelligence-led operation

The unit, in a statement Thursday night, said that a major intelligence-led joint operation “successfully intercepted an alleged gold smuggling attempt”.

“Acting on credible intelligence, SOCU officers detained four individuals, two Brazilian nationals, one Cuban national and one Guyanese. SOCU also seized a large quantity of gold valued at over $30 million and over $31 million in cash, together with a quantity of electronic equipment. This is a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit gold smuggling. The four individuals are currently assisting with investigations,” SOCU said.

Head of SOCU, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, said that SOCU officers were able to disrupt the smuggling operation before the gold could be moved and warned gold smugglers to “stop this illicit activity or they will face the full force of the law”.

According to the statement, Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh underscored the government’s commitment to tackling transnational crimes and protecting the nation’s valuable resources.

Thursday’s crackdown follows a similar enforcement action on March 5, 2025 at Lethem, Region 9, where two persons were arrested.

“The Government of Guyana remains resolute in its mission to combat illicit gold smuggling and dismantle networks involved in these illegal activities. Officials continue to monitor and enforce strict measures to hold offenders accountable and prevent further economic losses to the country,” SOCU said.

Investigations are continuing with a view of prosecution.

(Gold smuggling racket busted)

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