Fraudulent ‘Guyana registered’ vessel:

“No effort will be spared” – Govt working to bring criminals to justice

The Government on Monday reiterated that it is in no way connected or related to the “dubious” entity known as the International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana (IMSAG), or its principals and/or its affiliates.
This comes days after a ‘Guyana-registered vessel’ was intercepted in the West African country of Senegal that was transporting three containers of ammunition worth more than US$5million
On Monday the Government said that there was an undertaking with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and IMSAG, which was immediately brought to a halt following the discovery of the fraudulent representations and illicit conduct of these entities.
“Therefore, we wish to alert all stakeholders – national, regional and international, as we have previously done, that this cabal is neither a representative of the State of the Republic of Guyana, nor the Guyana Flag,” the Government said.
It added that the fraudulent issuance of registration under the Guyana Flag is a deliberate criminal design to sully the good image of Guyana, which the Government has worked tirelessly to rebuild and maintain, and will not condone it.
“No effort will be spared to ensure that this nation continues to enjoy good relations and the highest regard with the international shipping community. We view the protection of our national interest as sacrosanct, and therefore, our Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure this rogue enterprise led by a Captain Suniel Kumar, and those associated, are appropriately dealt with in accordance with the law,” the Government said.
The Guyana Police Force, the Government’s statement said, is actively engaged in this matter, and together with Interpol, is working to ensure that these “miscreants are brought to justice in accordance with the applicable laws and that all illicit activities, and fraudulent representation of our country, are swiftly brought to an end,” the Government said, adding that “we further assure that the Guyana Flag remains one of confidence, and all matters relative to the registration of ships are handled by our duly authorised national personnel, only.”
The motor vessel, named EOLIKA, has been detained in Dakar, Senegal, and the crew has been arrested after a search by Customs officials there unearthed a number of illegal arms and ammunition.
The Guyana Police Force launched an investigation on Thursday, during which officials of the MARAD confirmed that the vessel was not registered by any competent authority in Guyana.
The Police Force have said they are working with regional and international law enforcement agencies, and have alerted the Interpol General Secretariat with the view to informing all member states, and to confirm the veracity of the weapons’ seizure.