There is video evidence showing Mohameds entering Venezuelan embassy – Jagdeo

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, has maintained that there is a link between businessman and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leader Azruddin Mohamed and his family to the Venezuelan Government, stating that there is “video evidence” of the Mohameds entering the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown.
Speaking at a rally in Alexander Village on Wednesday, Jagdeo referred to recent revelations by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd that Venezuelan Ambassador Carlos Amador Perez Silva confirmed Mohamed had applied for a visa to Venezuela. Todd also disclosed that Mohamed and his relatives have been making frequent visits to the embassy.
The US-sanctioned businessman turned presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed has denied ever visiting the Venezuelan Embassy or applying for a Venezuelan visa.

“Right now, he has issued a statement, the father, that he did not go to the Venezuelan embassy recently. You know, several US congressmen said he’s Maduro’s puppet and that they work closely with Venezuela… Watch what will happen over the next few days because I hope he will deny that too, because there is video evidence of the Mohameds going into the Venezuelan embassy,” Jagdeo revealed.
The development comes just over a month after two United States (US) Congress members, Carlos Gimenez and María Elvira Salazar, described Mohamed as “Maduro’s puppet”, a reference to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and accused him of working closely with the Venezuelan regime. Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the high-profile border controversy concerning the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two nations.
Jagdeo said the situation is of grave concern to the Government, stating that the Mohameds’ visa application could be linked to the fact that Venezuela has no extradition treaty with the US.
“This gentleman poses a national security risk… Why are the Mohameds applying now for a visa to Venezuela of all countries in the world? Because Venezuela does not have an extradition treaty with the United States of America,” Jagdeo asserted.
He further criticised Mohamed’s leadership credentials, reiterating a history of tax evasion and illegal gold smuggling. “… how could you put your future in the hands of someone who has never managed anything?” Jagdeo asked the large gathering.
On June 30, US Congressman Gimenez had also raised concerns over what he describes as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through a controversial figure. Gimenez stated, “In the US Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control).”
Over the last five years, Maduro has launched a series of initiatives against Guyana in pursuit of its annexation of Essequibo, including a fake election of a governor and “representatives” to the National Assembly for the region.
Subsequently, US Congresswoman Salazar has already cautioned that “We remain deeply concerned about efforts to undermine democracy in Guyana. As a strategic ally of the United States, Guyana deserves leaders who respect democratic values. Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship.” Venezuela currently does not have an active extradition treaty with the US. Historically, the country has considered extradition requests on a case-by-case basis, weighing factors such as reciprocity and the interests of justice. However, this approach is not governed by a formal, treaty-based framework.
President Irfaan Ali had previously explained that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy.
At least three local banks have cancelled the personal accounts of individuals on the candidates lists of WIN. Meanwhile, in addition to the US sanctions for smuggling 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold and avoiding the payment of more than US$50 million in duty taxes, Mohamed is charged locally with tax evasion for amounts totalling some $900 million.