Latest update April 3rd, 2026 12:35 AM
$13M theft probe: ASL alleges foreign engineers fled after questionable bail
(Kaieteur News) – Air Services Limited (ASL) is raising serious concerns over what it describes as the questionable handling and subsequent release of three Nicaraguan engineers accused of stealing more than $13 million in specialised aircraft equipment from the company.
According to ASL, the three foreign nationals were arrested on Tuesday and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station in connection with the theft. However, the men reportedly spent only about four hours in custody before being released on station bail, despite being non-Guyanese nationals and, according to the company, clear flight risks.
Air Service Limited (ASL) (photo credit: ASL website)
More troubling, the airline relayed, is that the men failed to return to the station as instructed on Wednesday at 15:00hrs, raising fears that they may have fled.
The engineers, who were employed under work permits, had abruptly resigned from the company on Monday, immediately triggering suspicion. A swift internal audit conducted by ASL uncovered millions of dollars’ worth of aviation equipment, including specialised starter and ignition kits, were missing from its inventory.
The matter was reported to the police, prompting a rapid investigation that identified the three men as prime suspects. Law enforcement officials moved quickly, arresting the trio on Tuesday.
However, attorney Motee Singh, speaking on behalf ASL, strongly criticised the decision to grant station bail under the circumstances. Speaking on Wednesday, Singh described the move as highly irregular and unjustified.
“In my over 23 years of practice as a criminal lawyer, I have never had a client considered a flight risk granted bail, especially in a matter involving such a large sum. I have appeared in courts across Guyana and I am unaware of bail being granted in circumstances like these. It raises serious questions about fairness and consistency.”
Singh further alleged that the situation took a concerning turn after assurances were reportedly given by a detective sergeant that the suspects would be kept in custody for up to 72 hours to facilitate investigations. According to him, that position changed after the intervention of a prominent businessman.
The lawyer claims that approximately four hours after the arrest, the businessman visited the police station and remained there for about 30 minutes. Shortly after his visit, the three suspects were granted bail.
“The detective who promised that they will be kept for 72 hrs to allow for investigation had no say after her authority was bypassed by her superiors after (the businessman) walked into the police station and spent about 30 minutes. Bail was granted immediately before he leave the station,” Singh alleged.
He further claimed that the businessman was present when the three men exited the station and that they subsequently entered a vehicle owned by the company which was driven by one of the employees.
Additionally, Singh disclosed that ASL has received information suggesting that the three engineers may now be working with the company owned by the businessman. “These 3 engineers are working with [the company] which have similar aircraft that utilise the same starter and ignition kit drawing suspicion of unscrupulous activity between the parties,” he said.
While acknowledging his status as a well-known businessman, Singh warned that influence must not interfere with due process. “[He] is a public figure and an established businessman, but that should not jeopardise the fairness and transparency required in the granting of bail,” he asserted.
In light of the developments, ASL has indicated its intention to escalate the matter. The company is expected to seek the intervention of the Minister of Home Affairs as well as the Commissioner of Police, as it pushes for a thorough and transparent investigation into both the alleged theft and the circumstances surrounding the release of the suspects.
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