Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
U.S. signals no retreat in Mohameds’ extradition case
…Ambassador Theriot says 100% committed
(Kaieteur News) – United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, is hoping the extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, would move steadily, with a decision reached relatively soon.
In an interview with Newsroom Wednesday, Ambassador Theriot acknowledged the recent delays in the case, including the elder Mohamed’s illness and multiple high court applications filed by the defence.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot
“I want to make it incredibly clear that the U.S. is 100 per cent committed to seeing this through. It is incredibly important to us that these proceedings continue and that a decision is ultimately made. Obviously, we hope it will be a certain decision, but there have been a lot of delays, including today. That’s understandable; that happens in cases. But let me just tell you, the U.S. government does not spend tens of thousands of U.S. taxpayer dollars to request extradition if we’re not serious,” she said.
The ambassador emphasised the need for justice for both Guyanese and U.S. citizens. “We are very hopeful that the proceedings will continue apace and we’ll get a decision relatively soon,” she added.
However, she noted that the U.S. must respect the judicial process in Guyana. “I think that we have to be respectful of the Guyanese judicial system. This ball is in your court, as they say. We are content to wait and see what happens,” she said, while expressing confidence in the outcome. “I have every faith that things are going to proceed and the right decision will be made. We’re watching from afar. We’re not interfering, but we’re very, very interested in the outcome and fully committed to seeing this through.”
The Mohamed’s family is facing criminal charges in a U.S. federal court in Miami, Florida. A 25-page indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, alleges that they orchestrated an extensive fraud scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.
The extradition documents were received by Guyanese authorities on October 30, and on October 31, Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed were arrested separately by local law enforcement following a formal extradition request from the U.S. Government.
They were subsequently brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where each was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. The extradition request arises from an 11-count indictment filed in the U.S. Southern District Court of Florida, which includes charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related offences connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.
Following a formal request from the United States, Minister Walrond signed the Authority to Proceed, allowing the extradition matter to proceed before the magistrates’ court. If sufficient evidence is established during committal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds’ extradition to face charges in the United States.
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