3 men granted $1.5M bail in $200M Saipem Guyana theft case

Three men accused of stealing property valued at more than $200 million from Saipem Guyana Inc, were on Thursday jointly charged with two counts of larceny when they appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The defendants, Collin McClennon, Rayon Vanlonge, and Rockron Lashley, were arraigned before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. They were not required to plead to the charges.
The first charge alleges that on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, the trio stole one reel base valued at US$831,355 and three pallets of wire rope valued at US$135,000, together amounting to US$956,355, the equivalent of GY$191,271,000, property of Saipem Guyana Inc.
The second charge alleges that on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, also at Mandela Avenue, they stole six metal stands valued at US$300,000 (equivalent to GY$60,000,000) from the same company.
The prosecutor objected to bail, citing both the seriousness of the offences and the staggering value of the stolen items. He further informed the court that two of the accused admitted to the crime and argued that, given the weight of the evidence, the men would likely abscond if granted bail.
The court also heard that police experienced significant difficulty in locating McClennon.
Outlining the alleged events, the prosecutor said the accused were given a cargo manifest and instructed to transport the items from John Fernandes to Guyana Seashore. Instead, they allegedly diverted the shipment to the Land of Canaan.
According to the prosecution, Vanlonge and Lashley claimed that McClennon, who was then employed as a logistics officer, directed them to do so. However, McClennon reportedly denied this, asserting that the two men told him the items were intended for sale.
Representing McClennon, attorney Ronald J Daniels argued that the alleged offence took place a year ago and that his client’s termination from Saipem Guyana was unrelated to the incident. He maintained that police must provide evidence to support their claim of difficulty locating his client, noting that McClennon co-operated fully upon being found.
Daniels further contended that, as logistics officer at the time, his client had issued clear instructions for the items’ delivery and that the other accused were later found searching for them elsewhere. He insisted there was no evidence to show McClennon’s involvement in any wrongdoing.
Daniels also pointed out that McClennon has no prior convictions or pending charges and is the father of a young child who depends on him. He urged the court to set reasonable bail, even with strict reporting conditions if necessary.
During the proceedings, Vanlonge identified himself as a 34-year-old driver from Linden, while Lashley stated that he is 21 years old and works as a porter.
After considering the submissions from both sides, Magistrate Azore granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million to each defendant. They were ordered to return to court on September 10, 2025, for the continuation of the matter.