Falsified invoice, tax evasion: GRA moves ahead with criminal case against US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has confirmed that it has laid criminal charges embattled United States (US)-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed in connection with the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ, following the discovery of a falsified invoice and significantly understated taxes.
The charge follows the submission of new evidence by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to Guyanese authorities under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). The documents, including a US$695,000 invoice billed to Mohamed, contradict his previous claim to the court that the vehicle cost only US$76,000 — a difference of over US$619,000.
According to the GRA, the agency sought information from its counterparts in the US via the Home Affairs Ministry, in accordance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, Chapter 15:05. The request pertained specifically to the purchase and importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ.

GRA on Friday said that on May 14, 2025, US authorities responded, providing a copy of the purchase invoice and other supporting documents. The GRA said these documents confirmed the true purchase price of the vehicle, which aligned with existing evidence already submitted before the Court.
In keeping with its legal obligations, the GRA filed a Supplementary Affidavit to have this newly obtained evidence admitted in ongoing Judicial Review proceedings. However, on May 15, 2025, the presiding judge, Justice Gino Persaud ruled against admitting the documents from the US’s DOJ, stating that reasons for the decision would be issued at a later date in September 2025.
Despite the court’s ruling, the GRA emphasised that the information received has corroborated prior findings, showing that the invoice and value submitted at the time of importation were false, and that the taxes declared were significantly understated.
As a result, the GRA has instituted criminal proceedings under Section 218 (e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, for fraudulent evasion and false declarations.
The statement also noted that the importer had signed the Form C32A – Customs, affirming that all information provided was true and acknowledging the GRA’s authority to review and reassess declared values for up to seven years under the Fifth Schedule. Based on the newly uncovered evidence, the GRA issued a reassessment and demand letter for the payment of additional taxes owed.
In April, GRA officials, backed by police attempted to seize several luxury vehicles — including a Lamborghini Roadster, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Land Cruisers — from the family’s residence in Houston, Greater Georgetown. The operation was aborted after a hostile crowd, reportedly paid by Mohamed, blocked access to the premises.
GRA has said that the vehicles were imported under the re-migrant scheme, but failed to meet key requirements, including residency status and proper declaration of value. The total tax liability in the matter is estimated at nearly $900 million.
Among the outstanding amounts are: $479.7 million for a 2020 Ferrari registered to Hana Mohamed; $371.7 million for the Lamborghini tied to Azruddin Mohamed; $320 million for a 2023 Rolls Royce registered to Bibi Mohamed and additional millions linked to a Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruisers under various family names.