Brazilian duo charged with failing to keep gold records after busted with raw gold
Charged: Sabastiao De Oliveira Moura
Two Brazilian nationals were charged on Friday, by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for failing to maintain and produce the necessary gold transaction records as required by the Guyana Gold Board Act.
Brothers and business operators, Orisvaldo De Oliveira Moura and Sabastiao De Oliveira Moura appeared in separate sessions at the Georgetown Magistrates Court. Orisvaldo appeared before Magistrate Rabindra Nauth Singh and pleaded not guilty to the charges. As such, he was granted $100,000 bail.
His case has been transferred to the Port Kaituma Magistrates Court for August 15.
Charged: Orisvaldo De Oliveira Moura
On the other hand, his brother, Sabastiao appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty and also entered a not guilty plea and was released on $50,000 bail. His case has been adjourned until August 16.
According to SOCU, the Moura brothers operated under a registered business with locations in Georgetown, Eyelash Backdam, and Port Kaituma Water Front, North West District, Region One.
An investigation revealed that these locations were involved in purchasing precious metals without keeping the required records. In a coordinated effort, SOCU, along with officials from the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), conducted raids on their business premises.
During the search, a significant quantity of gold and cash was discovered. The brothers were unable to provide the necessary documentation to verify their purchases, leading to their arrest and the seizure of the discovered items.
