Essequibo Coast businessman nabbed for gold smuggling, money laundering
In another crackdown on gold smuggling and related illegal activities, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Tuesday executed a high-profile intelligence-led operation on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) resulting in the arrest of a businessman and the seizure of a significant quantity of cash and gold.
Arrested is Mahindar Nauth Ghanesh. SOCU said that the operation was carried out at Ghanesh’s residence at Lot 1-2 Track B, New Road, Essequibo Coast, following an extended period of surveillance conducted by ranks in collaboration with international law enforcement partners.
Arrested: Mahindar Nauth Ghanesh
Ghanesh, who is suspected to be a key player in illicit gold trading with extensive cross-border connections, was apprehended during the operation. He is currently in custody and is said to be cooperating with investigators.
SOCU officials indicated that the operation forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks involved in gold smuggling and money laundering, both of which continue to threaten the integrity of Guyana’s natural resources sector.
This is the second arrest on the Essequibo Coast within two days.
The cash that was seized by SOCU
On Monday, SOCU arrested businessman and gold miner, Ramanand Ganesh, also known as “Goldman,” and his wife, Vallina Ganesh at their Middlesex, Essequibo Coast home.
A search led to the seizure of two illegal firearms and a large sum of cash at the premises.
