“No tolerance for corruption” – Deputy Commissioner on crackdown on rogue cops

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram said the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has a serious stance against corruption and misconduct within the organisation and among its ranks.
Speaking during this week’s “Safeguarding Our Nation” programme, Budhram drew a hard line stating “we take this issue very seriously.”

“Frankly speaking, I understand the public’s view of corruption in the force. While there are some rogue elements within the force, majority of our officers are good officers and they are here to serve the public. For this reason, we take this issue very seriously. We have done training in integrity and monitoring at all levels. If there is an allegation of misconduct, our office of professional responsibility would investigate and after advice is sought, action will be taken,” Budhram explained.
The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that recent disturbing incidents, including a police officer caught with narcotics on the East Bank and another found with an illegal firearm on the East Coast, are under investigation and have been placed before the courts. According to Budhram, the GPF is actively pursuing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct. Against this backdrop, he acknowledged that rebuilding public trust requires more than promises—it demands transparency, reform and consequences for wrongdoing.
“There are some incidents recently on the east bank where a policeman was arrested with narcotics. There was also one recently on the east coast where a policeman was arrested with a firearm, illegal firearm. Those matters are presently before the court. “At no time at all will the force tolerate misconduct and turn a blind eye on them. Additionally, our main focus and aim is to have a zero tolerance on misconduct in offices. We are working to build a professional force,” he reassured. A recent example of the GPF taking action against their fellow servicemen and women for misconduct includes charges brought before Former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.
The case stems from a 2024 investigation into the use of the Welfare Fund. Brutus, his wife Adonika Aulder and three other individuals, including two businessmen and a former police sergeant are accused of fraud, larceny and money laundering. Brutus is individually accused of laundering hundreds of millions through various personal and business accounts. The court granted bail to the trio, with Brutus required to post $6.2 million, his wife $1 million, and George $500,000. One of the conditions of their bail was that they had to report to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on the second Friday of each month. As the investigation deepened, prosecutors brought 201 additional charges against Brutus in November 2024, bringing the total to 231. The charges further strengthened the case against him, leading to an increase in his bail amount by $ $10,050,000 million.