US Congress alarmed by Venezuela’s use of pro-Maduro ‘puppet’ Azruddin Mohamed to undermine Guyana – Congressman

United States (US) Congressman Carlos Gimenez has raised concerns over what he describes as Venezuela’s attempt to influence internal affairs in Guyana, specifically through a controversial figure. In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) today, 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).”

The remark refers to Azruddin Mohamed, a Guyanese businessman and political aspirant, who has been sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s OFAC.
Back in June 2024, the US had sanctioned Guyanese businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses: Mohamed’s Enterprise; its subsidiary, Hadi’s World and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.
According to the US Treasury Department’s OFAC, Mohamed’s Enterprise smuggled some 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold out of Guyana between 2019 and 2023, thus avoiding paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes. Shortly after the sanctions, Guyana had requested the relevant information and documentation from the US Government to conduct its own investigations.
In March of this year, local law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) received a ‘sufficient volume’ of evidence to take action against the businessmen.
In a Reuters article published on July 14, 2023, it was revealed that the family is under investigation by several US agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security.
Citing five sources with direct knowledge of the matter, Reuters has reported that the Mohameds are suspected of smuggling both Colombian cocaine and Venezuelan gold to international markets. Further, an intelligence report referenced in the investigation suggests that they may also be involved in laundering money for drug traffickers and criminal organisations, including sanctioned Russian nationals operating in the region.

Tax evasion and fraudulent declaration
In May, Mohamed was placed on $500,000 bail for tax evasion and fraudulent declaration charges in relation to the purchase of the Lamborghini Roadster SVJ.
Mohamed appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on May 29 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he answered to the two charges brought by GRA, false declaration to the GRA and fraudulent tax evasion.
The first charge alleged that the 39-year-old on or about December 7, 2020, caused to be made and subscribed, a false declaration to the GRA when he stated on the GRA’s custom declaration form that the purchased amount for the Lamborghini was US$75,300, instead of the true purchase price of US$695,000.
The second charge accuses Mohamed of, on the same date, fraudulently declaring to the Revenue Authority US$75,300 as the purchase price for the luxury vehicle thus resulting in the sum of $383,383,345 in taxes being evaded. Mohamed, who is also currently facing sanctions by the US Government over gold smuggling and tax evasion allegations, pleaded not guilty to both charges. It was previously reported that these charges were filed by the GRA after it obtained evidence from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). GRA Commissioner, Godfrey Statia had written the US authorities for information on the purchase of the luxury vehicle.
The Revenue Authority and Mohamed are currently embroiled in legal proceedings in the High Court. The GRA filed the matter to recover the outstanding taxes owned by the businessman.

Venezuelan gold smuggling
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday last committed to putting the necessary measures in place to curb Venezuelan gold from being smuggled into Guyana.
This comes as Guyana received an advisory from the US earlier on Friday about the threat that this illicit activity poses by funding the Nicolás Maduro regime.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown to celebrate the 249th anniversary of America’s independence, the Guyanese head of state disclosed that the US reminded all of its partners about this serious threat from Venezuela.

“Only today, the US reminded all of its partners about the serious threat with Venezuela, as it relates to gold smuggling. And we have received that advisory today and we want you to know that we are putting enormous resources into ensuring that the threat of illicit gold smuggling that could help to empower or safeguard undemocratic forces is uprooted,” President Ali stated on Friday evening.
Local authorities have long suspected that Venezuela is smuggling gold into Guyana to be laundered through various networks here.
In recent years, there has been a widespread crackdown on gold smuggling in Guyana with a series of operations targeting foreign nationals suspected of being involved in unlawful mining activities here.
According to President Ali, the US, through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, has been supporting ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement and security cooperation with Guyana as well as the wider Caribbean.
He pointed out that the March 27, 2025 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores the joint commitment between Washington DC and Georgetown to addressing common security challenges.
“The MoU builds on our long-standing partnership and aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as counter narcotics and the fight against transnational organised crime and strengthening security and defence cooperation,” President Ali said.