240 charges to be laid against Assistant Police Commissioner in money laundering probe

…barred along with pregnant wife from leaving Guyana

Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus is now at the centre of a major financial crime investigation, with 240 pending charges, including money laundering and fraud, set to be laid against him. These charges stem from the alleged discovery of over $800 million in assets under his control, both in properties and bank accounts shared with his wife, Adonika Aulder. This investigation, led by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), has drawn intense scrutiny, particularly as it involves a high-ranking police official.
The investigation began in July 2024, when Brutus was placed on administrative leave after suspicions arose regarding financial irregularities. Initially linked to the Police Force’s Credit Union, the investigation quickly expanded following information provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Assistant Police Commissioner Brutus’ assets include $300 million in properties and $500 million across joint bank accounts with his wife. As a result, all of these accounts have been frozen, with the exception of his salary account.

As part of the case, it was revealed that Brutus received monetary gifts from two individuals. These gifts included US$10,000 as a wedding present and $1,000,000 as a Christmas gift in 2023. Brutus has cited these gifts as part of his defence against the money laundering accusations, arguing that these funds were legitimate rather than illicit.
The unfolding legal situation came to a head on Friday when Brutus and his wife sought approval from the High Court to leave Guyana for medical reasons. They intended to travel to the United States (US) on October 19 and return on October 22 where Aulder is seeking pregnancy-related medical care. However, High Court Judge, Justice Gino Persaud denied the application, citing the gravity of the ongoing investigation and the couple’s failure to obtain the necessary clearance from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The State, represented by Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall, strongly opposed the request, arguing that Brutus and his wife posed a significant flight risk. The prosecution pointed to the seriousness of the impending charges, highlighting the large amount of money involved and the public interest surrounding the case.

During court proceedings, Lall disclosed that despite Brutus residing in the same police compound as SOCU’s head, Fizal Karimbaksh, investigators had been unable to question him. Judge Persaud remarked that the failure to secure an interview “defies logic,” with Lall agreeing. In his defence, Brutus’ lawyer, Earl Daniels, argued that his client had not been questioned and emphasised the urgency of his wife’s medical condition. He noted that if she did not leave on Friday, her next available doctor’s appointment would be in May 2025, despite being due to give birth in March 2025.
He also argued that Brutus has been serving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for over 25 years with distinction, and every time he traveled to several countries, he returned.
Justice Persaud ultimately rejected the application, stating that the court could not accept medical documents presented without proper evidence and underlined the lack of sufficient justification for the trip. Further, the judge ruled that the application was premature, as Brutus had not yet requested permission from the Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, a mandatory step for public officials.
In addition to the denied travel request, SOCU has filed an affidavit detailing the extent of Brutus’ alleged crimes. The assistant commissioner is accused of acquiring over $800 million in assets through alleged financial impropriety, which falls under various Guyanese laws, including the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.
SOCU has been allegedly gathering evidence in this case, and it is expected that both Brutus and his wife will face charges. SOCU’s investigation uncovered that Brutus, his wife, and their minor son, held nine bank accounts across Republic Bank (Guyana), Demerara Bank Limited, and New Building Society (NBS). These accounts had an accumulating balance of approximately $500 million over one year.
Further, SOCU identified businesses linked to Brutus and his wife, including Kytus General Contracting & Holdings Inc; South Quata Contracting & General Supplies Inc, and Triple A Depot. These businesses were found to have significant sums flowing through their accounts, raising additional suspicions about the source of these funds.
The case has also revealed that Brutus used a substantial withdrawal of GYD 63,752,000 from his salary account to purchase a property at Alberttown, Georgetown, shortly before the court issued the Freezing Order.
The case has captured public interest, given Brutus’ high status within the police force, with no officer of such standing in recent history having faced such serious allegations. The court, in dismissing the application, underscored the importance of the couple’s presence for the successful prosecution of these charges, while also ordering them to pay $250,000 in costs to each of the respondents.
Just recently, Brutus has filed motions to reverse certain decisions taken against him, claiming executive influence over the investigation. He is also seeking to challenge the legality of SOCU’s probe, asserting that the investigation has been unlawfully and prematurely conducted.
For now, Brutus and his wife have to remain in Guyana, awaiting the next steps in the case. (G9)