Brazilian shop owner granted bail in Mahdia multi-million-dollar gold seizure

A Brazilian businessman was granted $75,000 bail when he was brought before the courts on Friday, following a major operation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in Mahdia on Wednesday, which resulted in the seizure of raw gold and more than $17 million in cash, along with various documents and equipment.
Osmil Da Silva, 36, who operates a shop in Mahdia, was formally charged at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to a charge of unlawful possession of 43.8655 ounces of gold. The alleged incident occurred on Wednesday at Lot 111 Mile, Mahdia, located in the Potaro-Siparuni Region (Region Eight).
The prosecution stated that at the time of the alleged offence, Da Silva was not recognised as a gold producer under the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01, Section 2.
Speaking through an interpreter, Da Silva, who only speaks Portuguese, entered a not guilty plea.
Defence Attorney Latchmie Rahamat described the charge as unexpected, pointing out that her client is a licensed operator under the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). She further indicated that Da Silva runs a legitimate establishment known as Filhao Shop. Rahamat highlighted that her client is a father of two, has no prior convictions or pending legal matters, and maintains solid ties within the Mahdia community.
“He is determined to defend his reputation,” she added.
SOCU Prosecutor Neville Jeffers did not oppose bail, but recommended that it be subject to certain conditions. He informed the court that the offence carries a fine of $75,000.
Magistrate McGusty subsequently granted bail in the sum of $75,000, noting that bail must not exceed the maximum penalty provided for under the law.
The case has been transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court and is scheduled for report and disclosure of statements on June 25, 2025.
Da Silva is also being represented by Attorney-at-Law Aquella Best.
The charge originates from an intelligence-driven operation executed by SOCU in Mahdia earlier in the week. Deputy Commissioner of Police and SOCU Head Fazil Karimbaksh confirmed that officers conducted a raid at Filhao Shop, where they disrupted what is believed to be an illegal gold smuggling operation.
During the operation, SOCU agents recovered the gold, large sums of local currency, equipment, and documentation linked to the alleged activities.
The Unit noted that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, raising alarms about the extent of transnational gold smuggling operations taking root within Guyana.
“This operation forms part of our ongoing strategy to dismantle illicit networks and safeguard the country’s valuable mineral assets,” SOCU said in a statement issued Thursday. The agency underscored that Wednesday’s raid is a clear signal of law enforcement’s heightened efforts to curb illegal mining and smuggling.
The statement also highlighted that Da Silva’s case adds to a rising number of incidents involving Brazilian nationals allegedly engaged in unauthorised gold trading and extraction in the country’s interior regions.
SOCU stressed that the seizure disrupted a potential cross-border smuggling attempt, further illustrating the persistent threats posed by international smuggling rings.