Financial crime case Attorney clarifies request for release of passport was for co-accused, not fmr ACP

Following media reports surrounding an application for the release of a passport purportedly made for former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Calvin Brutus, attorney Glenn Hanoman clarified that the application was made on behalf of co-defendant Asif Zafarali and not Brutus.
Hanoman, who represents Zafarali, made the application on Monday during proceedings before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The attorney requested the temporary release of Zafarali’s passport for identification and travel purposes, telling the court that his client earns his livelihood through the sale of truck parts and at times requires additional forms of identification to conduct business transactions.
Hanoman further informed the court that Zafarali intends to travel. However, when questioned by the Magistrate about a proposed travel date and travel arrangements, the attorney explained that no arrangements had yet been finalised since they first wanted the court’s approval for the release of the travel document.
“I was representing Asif Zafarali, and I was trying to get the Magistrate to return his passport,” he said. He recalled the court’s position, stating: “The Magistrate made a comment that suggested that she would prefer for me to go to the High Court.”
Following the hearing, Hanoman reiterated that there had been public misunderstanding regarding the application, clarifying, “I don’t represent Brutus.”
In responding to the request, Magistrate McGusty remarked, “I think we played this song already. I do not wish to be a part of this band,” before indicating that the matter would be more appropriately addressed before the High Court.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 25.
Speaking with Guyana Times after the hearing, Hanoman clarified that the application was made solely on behalf of Zafarali, whom he represents, and not Calvin Brutus.
The Magistrate’s comments appeared to reference previous controversies surrounding overseas travel applications connected to persons before the court in the sprawling financial crimes investigations involving Brutus and others.
Particular attention had previously been placed on Brutus’ wife, Adonika Aulder, who had been granted permission by the court to travel to the United States while pregnant for medical treatment.
However, concerns later arose after Aulder remained overseas beyond the expected period and continued appearing virtually before the court. Prosecutors had raised concerns over her delayed return to Guyana, prompting repeated updates before the court regarding her medical condition and travel status.
At previous hearings, her attorneys maintained that complications relating to her pregnancy, medical treatment, and travel documentation contributed to the delay in her return. The matter sparked intense public discussion and repeated exchanges in court regarding compliance with court conditions and overseas travel permissions.
Brutus is currently before the courts on more than 200 criminal charges, including misconduct in public office, money laundering, obtaining money by false pretence, and other financial crimes linked to the alleged misappropriation of more than $800 million.
Zafarali is jointly charged with Brutus in one of the matters currently before the court.
The charges stem from investigations being conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into alleged financial irregularities involving funds and transactions connected to the Guyana Police Force.
The matters remain ongoing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.