Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed Arrested Over Alleged $800,000 Payment for Surveillance Footage

According to the Guyana Times, Azruddin Mohamed, who is described as the United States-sanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader, was taken into custody at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, on Wednesday for questioning regarding an alleged payment of $800,000 made to a Police Constable for surveillance footage obtained from the Safe Country System. The arrest was for questioning regarding an alleged payment of $800,000 made to a Police Constable for surveillance footage obtained from the Safe Country System.

This arrest is connected to an inquiry into a supposed corrupt deal involving a 20-year-old Police Officer, who is accused of downloading and providing footage related to the shooting that occurred on October 12 outside the home of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine in Kitty, Georgetown. This officer is accused of downloading and providing footage related to the shooting that occurred on October 12 outside the residence of Senior Superintendent Prem Narine in Kitty, Georgetown.

The Constable and his mother were also held by the Police on Wednesday as investigators continued probing the alleged payment and the leaking of the footage.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that the Constable, who is based at the Command Centre, allegedly downloaded the footage while on duty on October 23 and saved it to a flash drive. Information provided to investigators indicated that the Constable allegedly gave the flash drive to Mohamed in exchange for $800,000. He reportedly informed the Police that an employee arranged transportation for him to Mohamed’s residence in Houston, East Bank, Demerara, on Saturday, where the Opposition Leader paid him in cash and took the device.

Furthermore, the Constable reportedly told investigators that he used some of the money and gave the rest to his mother.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, expressed concern that the alleged transaction could constitute interference with evidence in a criminal case before the courts. Speaking during his Tuesday night program, Issues In The News, Nandlall noted that the allegations extended beyond merely bribing a Police officer, especially since the footage might be part of evidence in ongoing legal proceedings.

Nandlall asserted that any party seeking access to evidence in a criminal case must adhere to the established legal procedures. He indicated that the proper method for obtaining such material is through disclosure processes managed by the courts, rather than by contacting Police officers directly.

He also disputed calls for the public release of the surveillance footage, arguing that releasing evidence outside of the legal framework could negatively impact an active case. The Attorney General also rejected the notion that freedom of information laws could be utilized to force the release of material that is being held as evidence in criminal proceedings.

The footage in question pertains to the shooting that took place on October 12 outside Narine’s home on Barr Street, Kitty. Narine is a witness in the extradition proceedings involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed.

Mohamed, along with his driver, Eugene Thorne, 35, and videographer Mario Mohamed, 21, had previously been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and attempting to obstruct the course of justice in connection with the shooting incident. These three individuals pleaded not guilty and were each granted $750,000 in bail. Their bail conditions restrict them from contacting, threatening, intimidating, or attempting to influence prosecution witnesses. They were also prohibited from visiting Narine’s home or contacting him or his immediate family. The criminal proceedings related to the shooting are distinct from the extradition case involving Mohamed and his father.

The United States is pursuing the extradition of the two men to face charges including conspiracy, money laundering, wire and mail fraud, 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 contains allegations concerning the importation of a Lamborghini from Miami.