Arimu Investments Files Defamation Claims Against Azruddin Mohamed and Sister

Arimu Investments Inc., which owns the Aiden by Best Western hotel in Georgetown, has lodged separate defamation claims against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned and indicted by the United States, and his sister, Hana Khamelia Mohamed, according to the Guyana Times. The documents filed in court state that the defendants have 28 days after being served with the statements of claim to file a defence. Attorneys-at-Law Sase Gunraj and Jayaram A. Sanasie from Gunraj & Co. filed these two claims in the High Court on Monday.

In the lawsuit targeting Azruddin Mohamed, Arimu Investments is requesting damages exceeding $100 million for defamation, in addition to aggravated damages surpassing $50 million and exemplary damages. The company is also requesting orders to remove the publications and any derivative content, a permanent injunction preventing further dissemination of the alleged defamatory statements, an apology and retraction, the publication of the court's order, costs, and interest.

Arimu Investments asserts in its statement of claim that Mohamed made statements regarding Aiden by Best Western on October 16, 2026, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. These statements were later recorded and shared across social media platforms, including Prime News Guyana and the Travis Chase page. The company claims that Mohamed's statements implied that the Alphonso family, identified in the claim as the company's shareholders, were merely the nominal owners, suggesting that the actual beneficial owners included members of the First Family. Furthermore, Arimu Investments claims Mohamed alleged that a police vehicle had been stationed at the hotel for an extended duration, implying that police officers were being used to guard the private establishment. Arimu Investments maintains that these allegations were false and defamatory, asserting that the publications harmed its commercial reputation and goodwill.

In a separate claim against Hana Khamelia Mohamed, Arimu Investments is seeking damages over $50 million for defamation stemming from a Facebook post made on October 16, 2026, on the page named “Hana Khamelia.” For this claim, the company is also seeking aggravated damages exceeding $50 million, exemplary damages, and similar orders for the removal of the publication, a permanent injunction, an apology and retraction, the publication of the court’s order, costs, and interest.

According to the claim against Hana, her Facebook post referenced the alleged removal of a police vehicle from the area near Aiden Hotel subsequent to comments made by Mohamed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The post also questioned the hotel's ownership, characterizing the Alphonsos as owners "on paper" and alleging that the beneficial ownership involved a wealthy farmer. It further alleged that state resources were being improperly utilized through the presence of a police vehicle at the hotel. Arimu Investments suggests that these statements could be interpreted as implying that the hotel's ownership was being concealed, that the company was engaged in improper or unlawful activities, and that it benefited from preferential treatment via the use of police resources. The company denies these allegations, stating that the publications were untrue and caused damage to its reputation and goodwill.

Arimu Investments identifies itself as a private company limited by shares and the proprietor of Aiden by Best Western, which is situated at Lots 88-89 Oronoque Street, Bourda, Georgetown. Both claims request that the court prevent the defendants from continuing to publish or republish the alleged defamatory statements. The claim against Mohamed also notes that the publications have reached a considerable audience and can continue to circulate via social media and other electronic mediums.

Separately, the United States is pursuing the extradition of the Mohameds on charges that include wire and mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations, which are linked to an alleged scheme involving the export of US$50 million in gold and tax evasion. The indictment also alleged that Azruddin Mohamed was involved in a distinct scheme concerning the importation of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana, where the vehicle's declared value was allegedly understated to avoid over US$1 million in taxes. Both individuals have been granted $150,000 in bail each pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings, contingent upon conditions such as surrendering their passports and reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station as directed by the court.