Accusations of financial irregularity: Probe launched into allegations levelled against Brutus –Benn

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Friday expressed concerns regarding the allegations levelled against Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) Calvin Brutus, confirming that an investigation has commenced.
The Home Affairs Minister did not specify which authority would be conducting the investigation but assured that a thorough review would be undertaken to address the specifics of the allegations.
“You will be advised when we do a release… I’m not speaking to that now,” he said.
When asked if he believed it was attempted money laundering, the Minister said he was not sure of such.
“I’m not sure about laundering of money. I’m concerned about the allegations. A review and investigation would be underway, have to determine what are the specifics of these issues, and the public and the press will be informed as we go along the way,” Benn said.
Minister Benn in a statement on Friday evening on the matter said, “Mr. Brutus has proceeded on leave to facilitate a full and complete investigation by SOCU. There will be no action in relation to any promotion of Mr. Brutus under these circumstances. Any promotion will be subject to the outcome of the investigation. SOCU has already commenced its investigation and the Government will be guided by the outcome of such investigation.”
This comes after allegations of financial impropriety against Brutus on social media. Reports said that Brutus allegedly deposited $15 million into his account at the Police Credit Union on December 15, 2023.
The money was allegedly returned to him the following day and the source of funds was given as contributions from before, during, and after his wedding. Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken had told media personnel on Wednesday that no investigation was launched into the allegations.
However, on Thursday, in a summersault, Police Headquarters issued a statement indicating that Brutus had requested to go on leave to facilitate the investigation for the benefit of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The Commissioner of Police, however, granted permission through the prescribed procedure.
Only recently, the GPF announced a rotation within the top brass of the Force in accordance with its modernisation plan. Brutus, who was previously in charge of ‘Administration,’ was among the three ranks involved in the rotation.
The rotation, certain sections of the media had reported was prompted due to the financial irregularities at the Administrative Office once headed by Brutus.
Further, it was reported that members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) have confiscated several documents to facilitate an investigation. (G9)