Berbice man on trial for $16M fraud, claims he was framed

Mar 18, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – A 12-member jury was established on Tuesday at the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam, for the trial of a man facing multiple fraud and larceny charges dating back some 13 years.

Hemraj Singh Pahalad, of No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, has been formally charged with two counts of embezzlement by a clerk or servant, contrary to Sections 190 and 184 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, and one count of larceny by a clerk or servant. The offenses allegedly occurred while Pahalad was employed under Ramdial Ramoutar in 2013.

Berbice man on trial for $16M fraud, claims he was framed

Hemraj Singh Pahalad, slapped with fraud charges, maintains he was framed.

The first count of embezzlement states that between February 12–16, 2013, Pahalad allegedly embezzled $3,529,750, which he received from Sahidrul Satar on behalf of his employer. The second count, occurring within the same period, involves $3,071,500 received from Karamdeo Mangru.

In addition to the embezzlement charges, Pahalad faces a larceny allegation that he stole a total of 1,051 bags of flour of various types—including Thunderbolt 100-1 lb, 2 kg, 1 kg, high fiber, and self-rising flour—worth $10,127,995, all belonging to Ramoutar.

While awaiting trial, Pahalad has maintained his innocence, claiming that he has been wrongly accused and framed by his former employer. He explained that he worked under Ramoutar for 15 years, who he said acts as an agent for the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), and insisted that he never engaged in any malpractice during his employment. “I did nothing wrong. They accused me wrongfully,” he told reporters.

Now working as a construction worker, Pahalad expressed optimism that the trial would vindicate him. He is represented by attorney Charlyn Artiga, while the state’s case is being prosecuted by Marisa Edwards.

If convicted on the charges, Pahalad faces a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment. The trial is set to officially commence on Thursday.

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Berbice, framed, fraud, Hemraj Singh Pahalad

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