Guyana has passed tough anti-money laundering laws and has been cracking down on a number of cases.
According to a letter dated April 20, 2017 to General Manager, Lisaveta Ramotar, and signed by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, the police requested several staffers to be sent on leave to facilitate the investigations.
The investigations are being conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the police, that has been focusing on financial crimes.
In addition to Ramotar, also to receive letters are Deputy General Manager, Andrea Seelochan, and Legal/Compliance Officer, Suzanne Bullen.
According to the letter to Ramotar, the police have commenced an investigation into allegations of money laundering and suspected involvement of staff members of GGB.
The ministry said it is giving the police its full support and cooperation.
“On April 19th, 2017, I have received a request from the Guyana Police Force for further investigation to ensue and for several Gold Board officers, including you, to be sent on leave to facilitate the conduct of the investigation,” the letter from the minister said.
“In the circumstance it has therefore been decided to send you on Administrative leave, with immediate effect, to allow the police to complete their investigation. Further, you are expected to continue to cooperate with the investigating ranks in the conduct of the investigation.”
Ramotar was also told that on the completion of the investigation, she will be advised further.
The troubles at the GGB came to the fore earlier this month when news broke that Bartica gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul, was arrested in a $950M fraud at the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry.
The alleged fraud saw police later charging Rasul with several counts and placed on $3M bail.
Former Chief Justice (ag), Ian Chang, will come out of retirement to perform the duties as a special prosecutor.
Details of Rasul’s transactions with GGB later came to light and it was alleged that the businessman, who has interests in several parts of the country, including Bartica and the city, was involved in questionable transactions with GGB.
It was alleged that Rasul and his gold dealing and mining companies cooked up a scheme in which he sold gold purchased as mined ones. He allegedly as a result defrauded the state of almost $100M in taxes over a three-month period late last year.
Investigators believed that Rasul allegedly laundered his proceeds into vehicles, properties and his businesses. He reportedly owned a security firm to which several gun licences were issued.
SOCU, since being handed the matter by police to investigate, has conducted several raids to properties in Kitty, Prashad Nagar and Bartica, and Essequibo coast, arresting staffers and business colleagues, and seizing luxury bikes, a jet ski and guns.
With regards to GGB and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, it is believed enough attention was not paid to Rasul’s activities despite red flags.
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