Mohameds question govt’s seizure of firearms nearly a year after sanctions

Apr 07, 2025 News

…say very scared with what is going on presently, they leave us stranded right now

Kaieteur News- Businessman Azruddin Mohamed is questioning the recent seizure of firearms belonging to his family, almost a year after the US imposed sanctions against himself, his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed and their businesses.

Mohameds question govt’s seizure of firearms nearly a year after sanctions

US sanctioned Guyanese businessman, Azruddin Mohamed

He claimed that the Irfaan Ali-led administration is now leaving his family vulnerable. Speaking publicly on Saturday, after agents of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) showed up to his home to seize several luxury vehicles, which they said over $1.2 billion in unpaid taxes are due, Mohamed said that recent moves by the PPP administration shows their “vindictiveness.”

He then shifted his attention to the suspension of the security service licence of Mohamed’s Enterprise Security Service, and questioned why the authorities waited so long to take action. “Look how everything is happening one after the other, our firearms were seized just the other day, why not seize them the 12th of June, the day after the sanctions why decide to seize the firearms now,” he said.

Mohamed expressed grave concern over the safety of his family and supporters, stating, “Right now, I’m very scared for my security, my family, my friends, myself, my supporters; we are very scared with what is going on presently, they disarmed us; they leave us stranded right now in terms of security.”

Last year, the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctioned the businessmen as well as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas, citing the Mohameds alleged involvement in tax evasion, corruption, and gold smuggling.

The decision to suspend the security licence 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. Recently 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 the Mohameds and Thomas. 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.

(Mohameds question govt’s seizure of firearms nearly a year after sanctions)

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