SOCU withdraws bail revocation application against ACP Brutus

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has withdrawn its earlier application to revoke bail for embattled Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, during a hearing on Friday before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The initial application was made after it was alleged that Brutus attempted to flee the country on December 16 via Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
The Home Affairs Ministry last week reported that Brutus was intercepted near the Takutu Bridge in a vehicle with Brazilian registration plates. The Ministry claimed that at the time of his interception, he did not present himself to immigration authorities at that port.
One of the conditions for granting bail was that the senior police not leave the jurisdiction. On this note, the Ministry further stated that Brutus’ action violated that condition.
Brutus is currently facing 231 charges, including misconduct in public office, fraud, and money laundering.

However, Brutus’ defence, led by attorney Eusi Anderson, vehemently refuted the claims, describing them as “hollow, vexatious, and unsupported by evidence.” Anderson argued that Brutus had legitimate reasons for travelling to Lethem, emphasising that no proof existed to suggest an intention to flee.
In court documents, Brutus maintained his innocence, asserting that he had complied with all legal requirements. “Mr Brutus is resolute in his innocence and will fight these charges in court,” Anderson said after Friday’s hearing.
Nevertheless, the proceedings took an unexpected turn when SOCU’s prosecutors informed the court of their decision to withdraw the application to revoke bail. Despite requests from Brutus’ legal team for an explanation, SOCU declined to provide one, citing instructions from “higher authorities.”
Following the hearing, Anderson criticised the lack of transparency in the State’s approach.
The case adds another layer of complexity to the legal troubles surrounding Brutus and his wife, Adonika Aulder. Aulder, who faces money laundering charges, left Guyana earlier this month for medical treatment in the United States (US). She was expected to return by December 18, 2024, but has not yet done so.
Her attorneys have promised to provide medical documentation to justify her continued stay abroad.
Brutus was initially granted bail of $6.2 million in October for 31 charges related to alleged financial crimes. That sum was increased to $10.05 million in November after 201 additional charges were filed, bringing the total number of accusations against him to 231.
As the case unfolds, Brutus remains free on bail, facing a lengthy legal battle that has captivated national attention.