US congresspersons are not rubber stamps who publish unverified info – AG

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has responded to criticisms regarding recent social media posts by two United States (US) Congresspersons about political developments in Guyana, emphasising that these elected officials are not “rubber stamps s” who disseminate unverified information that contradicts US policies.

On Monday, US Congressman Carlos Gimenez raised concerns about what he described as Venezuela’s attempts to influence Guyana’s internal affairs, specifically through a controversial figure. In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), 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 for gold smuggling. 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.
Then, on Tuesday, US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar posted on the same platform: “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.”

However, some Opposition sections of society have sought to downplay the statements made by the US politicians, instead shifting the narrative to the firm hired by the Guyana Government for federal engagements and advocacy in the US – a matter already addressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
During his programme Issues in the News on Tuesday evening, Nandlall contributed to the discussion, pointing out that “you can’t hand an American congressman a piece of paper and say tweet this and he will tweet it. It must be something that is part of their policy, that they are aware of, that they have investigated, and that reflects their position.”
Noting that social media – particularly X (formerly Twitter) – has become an acceptable medium for US politicians to disseminate information, Nandlall stated, “When an American congressman or woman makes a tweet, they don’t parrot a position, they’re not rubber stamps s. They express a policy position. They make important disclosures via this media platform.”
Responding directly to those suggesting that the US Congresspersons only made the recent posts because of the lobbying firm, Nandlall asked, “Are they suggesting that the US Congress and the US Congressmen and women are a bunch of rubber stamps s?”
“That these people have no integrity? That they have no self-respect? That they will just prostitute their position as members of Congress and simply publish something that somebody hands them?” Nandlall further questioned, describing such a narrative as “extremely shocking.”
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 Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) of 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 owed by the businessman.