In a new development in the ongoing tax evasion case involving sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has submitted in a supplemental affidavit to the High Court, the original purchase invoice for the Lamborghini central to the case.
The publicly available document, filed in the High Court on Wednesday, contains 78 pages detailing correspondence between the U.S. Department of Justice, the Guyana Government and the GRA.
It includes a copy of the official invoice for the Lamborghini Aventador. According to the records, the luxury vehicle was purchased for a staggering US$695,000.
This new evidence starkly contradicts Mohamed’s earlier sworn declaration to the court, where he claimed to have paid only US$76,000 for the car — a discrepancy of over US$600,000.
GRA attorneys argue this discrepancy is not a clerical error, but rather a deliberate act of misrepresentation designed to evade the substantial import taxes associated with such a high-value vehicle.
The affidavit builds the evidentiary basis that could support a perjury claim — due to the apparent false declaration under oath.
The invoice obtained from U.S. authorities and shared through established channels for exchange of information between governments, adds considerable weight to the GRA’s case.
The original invoice was obtained directly through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), and confirms the vehicle’s true market value, not the grossly undervalued figure previously submitted by the applicant.”
The inclusion of this invoice could shift the dynamics of the trial, with potential consequences beyond tax penalties, including criminal charges for perjury and fraud.
The case, listed under 2025/18-HC-FDA-CAD-DEM-CIV, will see a next court hearing in the coming weeks.
Mohamed earlier this week secured a judgment in the Appeal Court which upheld a High Court ruling barring the GRA from seizing several luxury vehicles until the determination of the case.
A 31-year-old labourer from Triangle Backdam Baramita, North West District was charged for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and assault on Wednesday.
Orangel Antonio Castro Rodrigces appeared before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh at the Port Kaituma Magistrates Court.
The allegations against him are serious: on February 26, 2025, he unlawfully assaulted Yulismar Rodrigues, causing her actual bodily harm. The following day, February 27, 2025, he was found in possession of three 16-gauge live ammunition without a valid firearm license. Also, he possessed a 12-gauge shotgun (serial # AV60664E) and another shotgun (serial # 10-05), both without the necessary firearm license.
Rodrigces pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the prosecution’s case file remains incomplete.
Rodrigces’s lawyer, Bernard Da Silva, who appeared virtually, raised concerns about potential delays due to the investigation’s nature and the court’s sitting frequency. He emphasized that there is no certainty regarding a trial date.
Da Silva asserted that Rodrigces is not a flight risk, citing his responsibilities as a husband and father to three children. He also noted that the firearms and ammunition were not found on Rodrigces, but rather hidden in bushes away from his camp in the backdam.
In response to the bail application, Magistrate Singh granted bail in the amount of $150,000 for four of the gun charges. For the assault charge, Rodrigces was permitted to self-bail.
The conditions of his bail require Rodrigces to report to the Baramita police station on the last Friday of each month.
Rodrigces is scheduled to appear in court again on June 10, 2025.
Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks appear set to miss the rearranged IPL 2025 playoffs after they were named in England’s squad for a home ODI series against West Indies.
England’s players left the IPL when the tournament was suspended last week following cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, but are expected to return ahead of the league’s resumption on Saturday. But the new dates leave Buttler (GT), Bethell (RCB) and Jacks (MI) facing a clash between their franchise commitments and international duty.
ESPNcricinfo has learned that Bethell will return to India for RCB’s next two fixtures, but will fly home before their final group match in Lucknow and report to Birmingham ahead of the first ODI at Edgbaston.
Jacks and Buttler’s travel plans could not be confirmed on Tuesday evening, but they were also expected to return to the IPL briefly before flying home for the ODI series.
The ECB made a commitment before November’s mega auction that centrally contracted England players would be fully available for the IPL in 2025, which meant Bethell was not included in their Test squad to face Zimbabwe from May 22. But that commitment covered the IPL’s original dates, and the final has now been pushed back to June 3.
England named a 16-man squad on Tuesday for their three-match ODI series against West Indies, which starts on May 29. The IPL’s group stage now runs until May 27, with the playoffs starting on May 29 and running until the final on June 3. GT, RCB and MI are all well-placed to qualify for the final stages.
The ECB did not provide a definitive answer when contacted on Tuesday evening. “No Objection Certificates have been granted based on the original IPL dates, so we’ll need to review any potential extensions, particularly in relation to any clash with the final white-ball squad,” an ECB spokesperson said when the squad was announced.
“We’re keen to support the IPL and the BCCI in getting the schedule up and running, and to facilitate players’ return should they choose to go back. We’ll continue to work closely with the BCCI and the IPL as the situation develops.”
Jofra Archer (RR) and Jamie Overton (CSK) have also been named in the ODI squad, with their franchises already knocked out of contention for the IPL’s knockout stages.
While Bethell’s absence is a blow for RCB, their two other English players, Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, are set to be available for the rest of the IPL after they were dropped from England’s ODI squad. Salt has been included for the T20I series which starts on June 6, three days after the IPL final, while Livingstone has been left out entirely.
There are two players in the West Indies ODI squad likely to be affected by the clash of dates: Romario Shepherd (RCB) and Sherfane Rutherford (GT). Shamar Joseph is also involved in both the ODI squad and the IPL, though his team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), are not well-placed to qualify for the playoffs.
Shepherd and Rutherford were both expected to miss West Indies’ ODIs against Ireland from May 21-25, and ESPNcricinfo understands that they will likely be allowed to stay at the IPL until their respective franchises’ seasons are over.
CWI has been contacted for comment and is expected to issue a statement on Tuesday night.
England and West Indies have regularly fielded weakened sides in their recent meetings, but this ODI series takes on unusual importance with both teams battling to reach the 2027 World Cup.
Co-hosts South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe will qualify automatically along with the next eight highest-ranked teams, and England and West Indies sit eighth and ninth respectively.
The series is also Harry Brook’s first since assuming the captaincy from Buttler on a permanent basis following their abject results earlier this year, losing 10 out of 11 white-ball matches across a tour to India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. (ESPNcricinfo)
Momentum is building for the first-ever Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Independence T10 Cup on May 25, with Regal Stationery and Computer Centre confirming its support to the grand fund-raising event.
Set to start at 10:00h and conclude under lights at the LBI Ground, East Coast Demerara, the competition promises scintillating cricket with top local players set to showcase their skills in the high-intensity format.
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre of 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, has pledged G$150,000 to the initiative, further extending it benevolence to sport development and cricket in particular.
Sales Representative Anuradha Bahadur, moments before presenting the sponsorship cheque to DCB Secretary Davteerth Anandjit, pointed out that Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is always keen on being involved in activities that make a positive difference.
Proceeds from the Independence T10 Cup will be channeled into cricket development in Demerara, and Bahadur indicated that is something the company is pleased to be associated with.
Speaking on behalf of the DCB, Anandjit expressed immense gratitude to Regal Stationery and Computer Centre for embracing the Independence T10 Cup, noting that such partnerships with the corporate community are key to fostering the growth and development of cricket.
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is the third corporate entity to align with the Independence T10 Cup, following in the footsteps of Office Express and Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services.
Anandjit added that preparations are moving apace for a grand day of cricket and teams are excited to commence the battle for championship honours.
Eight first division teams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout.
Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the one day event.
While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.
The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each.
On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.
Officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) have carried out a series of drug raids in Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, resulting in the seizure of over 13 kilograms of cannabis and cocaine over a two-day period.
The operations, conducted between Monday and Tuesday, were all based on intelligence received by CANU and formed part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the region.
On Monday, CANU officers executed two separate raids. The first occurred at an abandoned residence, where a search uncovered 1.2 kilograms of cannabis. No arrests were made, and investigations into the find are continuing.
Later the same day, officers conducted a second operation at another residence in Tabatinga. This search led to the discovery of 1.6 kilograms of cannabis and 63.7 grams of cocaine. One person was taken into custody and is currently assisting with the investigation.
On Tuesday, a third operation was carried out at a separate location in Tabatinga. Officers discovered a significant haul of 10.5 kilograms of cannabis. Two persons were arrested and are also assisting with ongoing enquiries.
The cumulative seizures from the three operations amount to 13.3 kilograms of cannabis and 63.7 grams of cocaine. CANU has not yet confirmed whether the incidents are connected but has indicated that investigations are active and further actions may follow.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to report suspicious activities, especially in border regions such as Lethem, which have been identified as key transit points in the narcotics trade.
A retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Leonard McCoshen, will officially begin working on the investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge from Wednesday.
McCoshen arrived in Guyana on Monday night and is expected to lend his expertise to the high-profile investigation, which has drawn national and international attention. His involvement comes in response to repeated calls from the Younge family for international law enforcement to assist with the probe.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed the start of McCoshen’s work on Tuesday evening. He emphasized that McCoshen’s involvement fulfills a promise made by President Irfaan Ali to the Younge family amid mounting public pressure and speculation surrounding the case.
“The gentleman, Staff Sergeant of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Leonard McCoshen, is a very experienced and qualified suspicious death investigator,” Nandlall said.
“He has joined the team and will begin working on the investigation from tomorrow.”
Adriana Younge went missing on April 23 while at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen. Her body was discovered in the hotel’s pool the following day, sparking national outcry and calls for an independent investigation.
So far, three internationally recognized pathologists have been involved in the initial autopsy:
Despite these efforts, the family has requested a second autopsy and is now seeking the involvement of Dr. Hubert Daisley, a Trinidadian forensic pathologist, as a fourth opinion. This request has raised concerns from Nandlall, who questioned the forensic value of further examinations.
Dr. Hubert Daisley, a Trinidad and Tobago-based pathologist and Adriana Younge
“From what I’ve been advised by persons far more qualified than I am… the body, in its current state, would have been deprived of any forensic value given the time elapsed and previous procedures conducted,” Nandlall reasoned.
He also criticized individuals who have made public claims about the investigation without proper qualifications, cautioning against actions that could damage the morale of the Guyana Police Force.
The Younge family, who have postponed Adrianna’s funeral since April 24, say they are hoping for significant progress in the investigation before laying her to rest.
Several Toshaos of North Rupununi villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) have responded to a letter from Mr. Charles Sugrim, representative of Team Mohameds, about a planned visit to their communities.
The Toshaos, in their letter, acknowledged philanthropy work done by businessman Azruddin Mohamed but said they are also aware of allegations of criminal activities levelled against him. As such, permission to enter their communities was denied.
See below the full letter issued:
With reference to the subject matter, we the undersigned leaders, on behalf of our residents, do hereby acknowledge receipt of your correspondence.
As leaders, we note Mr. Azruddin Mohamed’s work in philanthropy in selective parts of the country. However, based on our research in considering the application to enter our Village lands, we have become aware of several international allegations of criminal activities conducted by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed.
Based on our findings, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has announced sanctions against Mr. Azruddin Mohamed for his roles in corruption in Guyana.
Additionally, there are allegations that Mr. Mohamed evaded Guyana’s tax on gold exports and defrauded the Government of Guyana of tax revenues by under-declaring his gold exports to the Authorities. It has been stated that between 2019 and 2023, Mr. Mohamed omitted more than 10,000 kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than $50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Also, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has said that it has irrefutable evidence of tax breaches by Mr. Azruddin Mohamed over several high-end vehicles linked to nearly $900 million in unpaid duties.
Therefore, acting in the best interests of our Villages and based on precaution, permission to enter our Village lands is hereby denied.
We underscore that we will continue to uphold the governance systems established in law, which guarantee the autonomy of Amerindian Village Councils. As Village Councils we are legally empowered to regulate activities within our village lands, including who may enter and under what conditions. As such, we wish to remind you that our decision detailed here is final on the matter.
Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Carol Fraser never intended to pursue a career in law enforcement, but looking back, she said if she had to do it over again, the Guyana Police Force would be her first choice. In an interview with the News Room, Fraser shared that her 34-year journey in the Force allowed her to grow professional and personally shaping her into the woman she is today.
“If I had to do it over, I would chose the police as my career. Because of the police my network is very large, I have been able to travel to countries, to attend programmes and my knowledge gained I don’t think I would have been able to gain it in any other sector.
“It might have been different but I would not have to garner the wide and vast amount of knowledge with me today and be the person I am,” Fraser told the News Room as she reflected on the many challenges she faced and also spoke of the rewards and growth that came from her decades of dedicated service.
“The Guyana Police Force was never my initial thought to be a police but I came to Georgetown and took an interview and the salary at the time was $700 at GWI and after that I was sitting in the living room of a family friend and saw the ad for the police and I looked at the salary and it was $1, 320 and I said this is more than what I interviewed for and I said I can take the shot and see what happens,” Fraser recalled.
The rest was history. The very next day, Fraser went to the Felix Austin Training College at Eve Leary in Georgetown and wrote the entrance examination and was accepted into the Police Force.
But it hasn’t always been an easy journey. Even from the start during her training, Fraser said she wanted to give up.
“There were many times I thought, no this isn’t for me.
“But I had an instructor by the name of Dale Alves and every time I pack my bag to go home while I was training, he would say: ‘if you go now, when things get better you wouldn’t be there to enjoy it and you don’t quit at your first stress.’ So, I kept that in mind but there were still times when I wanted to leave and you had persons there who motivated you,” Fraser told the News Room.
Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Carol Fraser
Fraser served as a Constable from 1990 to 1995, she was promoted to Corporal and then in 2004 to Sergeant. By 2007, she was an inspector and three years later promoted to Assistant Superintendent. Six years later, Fraser became a Deputy Superintendent, then Superintendent and in January 2025 she was promoted to Assistant Commissioner.
Throughout her career, she served in key leadership roles including Commander for Regional Division 5, Director of the Command Centre, the first female Manager of the Police Credit Union, Training Officer of Guyana Police Force Academy as well as the Finance Officer and Welfare Officer.
“Working in a male dominated organisation it is not as easy, the bars are not sometimes always equal for you to be promoted,” Fraser told the News Room and so, she took it on herself to do something about this.
While serving in the Force, Fraser graduated from the University of Guyana with two degrees and a masters. She earned her first degree in social work, second in public management and a master’s in public administration.
“What I did, I pursued my career, I studied other than sitting down and wimping about not being promoted I got in the know, I challenged myself to understand what happens in the Force, how it happens and ofay myself with different departments and divisions. So, even though the promotions were not forthcoming my upward mobility in terms of knowledge within the Force increased,” the retired policewoman said.
Fraser also spent part of career lecturering on domestic violence and child abuse in Guyana. She is now urging officers to be patient and understanding when dealing with abuse victims.
“On the part of the police patience is needed and understanding that the victim always look at circumstances – if I leave, who will take care of my children – and then you have the part where they look at things that help them survive and then on the police side where the victim will come one, two, three, four times and renege and the police have to understand that this is part of the persons having being abused, so you have to be patient with them,” Fraser explained.
She also highlighted the importance of community engagement, especially in vulnerable areas, to better understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and violence.
With a message for her fellow officers, Fraser said she is proud to have been a policewoman.
“You need to work together, you need to look out for each other because even as a police officer, sometimes you feel alone.
“I am proud to have been a policewoman because of the lives I have been able to change and the systems also that I have been able to work and be a change agent.”
Some cycling clubs have publicly extended their gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their crucial role in ensuring the staging of the 42nd Independence Three-Stage Road Race.
Following initial uncertainty surrounding the event, the NSC’s direct engagement on Monday with the nation’s leading cycling clubs proved decisive.
The race is slated for May 17-18.
During these discussions, the Commission underlined the continued significance of the race, not only as a key fixture in the national sporting calendar but also as a vital symbol of unity, a platform for youth engagement, and a celebration of Guyana’s rich sporting heritage.
This intervention and the subsequent open dialogue were instrumental in restoring the race to the schedule, a move welcomed by cyclists, fans, and the wider public.
In a joint statement, the management and riders of KFC Cycling Club, KARCC, Carlton Wheelers, Fly Ace, Flying Star, Team Coco, Continental, and Team Alanis expressed their sincere appreciation.
“Despite initial uncertainty surrounding this year’s event, the NSC acted decisively,” the statement read. “Thanks to that intervention and the open discussions that followed, the race was restored to the schedule, much to the delight of cyclists, fans, and the general populace.”
The clubs highlighted that the 2025 edition is expected to deliver a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, further reinforcing this historic event’s value and growing prestige.
“We commend the NSC’s commitment, logistical support, and willingness to listen and act in the best interests of the sport and its stakeholders,” they added.
The clubs reiterated their commitment to the growth and development of cycling in Guyana.
They stated their readiness to continue collaborating with the Ministry and the NSC to elevate the iconic race further and support the national vision for sport and youth development.
This prestigious event, conceptualised initially by former National Cycling Coach Mr. Hassan Mahamad in 1983, has become a staple on the sporting calendar.
Race Schedule:
Stage One
Date: Saturday, 17 May
Start Time: 07:30
Route: Starts at Corriverton Police Station and finishes in New Amsterdam.
Stage Two
Date: Saturday, 17 May
Start Time: 14:00
Route: This stage begins at the Berbice River Bridge and ends at Liliendaal, Georgetown. It will feature sections of the original historic route. After crossing the Mahaicony Bridge, the peloton will turn left onto the old Mahaicony Road and then right onto the traditional Drill Road. At the new Mahaica Bridge, the cyclists will turn right to use the old Mahaica Road en route to the finish.
Stage Three
Date: Sunday, 18 May
Start Time: 07:30
Route: Due to ongoing roadworks along the Linden Highway, this final stage will begin in the Eccles Community. Due to ongoing construction on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the third and final stage will be contested as a circuit race on the East Bank of Demerara.
The circuit, starting from the Eccles Dump Site Road and heading west, will turn left at Windsor Estates and then towards ‘Red Road’ in Providence before looping back to the Heroes Highway.
Each lap is approximately two miles, with riders expected to complete 30 laps, totaling 60 miles.
The People’s Youth Organisation (PYO) officially launched its Tapeball Cricket Tournament on Sunday.
The tournament will bring together 21 teams from across Region Two for what promises to be an exciting display of local talent.
The tournament, set to feature players from all corners of Essequibo, significantly emphasises nurturing young cricketers, mandating the inclusion of at least two Under-19 players in every match squad.
This strategic move aims to provide a vital platform for young talent to gain exposure and experience alongside more seasoned players.
The launch event, held in Region Two, was attended by several key figures, including Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oudit, Head of the PYO Faraz Baksh, Regional Sports Organizer Wazeeda Bacchus, and Head of the PYO Sports Committee and Tournament Organizer Azizi Christiani.
Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oudit lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to foster community cohesion.
“This tournament is a platform for engagement, camaraderie, and healthy competition. It brings our communities together and reflects the true spirit of ‘One Guyana’—where everyone has a place and a role,” Oudit stated during his remarks.
Tournament Organizer Azizi Christiani outlined the structure and expectations for the competition, predicting a high standard of play.
“This tournament promises to be one of high quality and stiff competition,” Christiani commented.
He also expressed gratitude to the title sponsor, Harischan Ramballi, for his crucial support and acknowledged the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing contributions to youth development efforts in Region Two.
The tournament will commence on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with further first-round matches scheduled for May 18 and May 24.
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Dr. Hubert Daisley, a Trinidad and Tobago-based pathologist and Adriana Younge
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Retired Assistant Police Commissioner Carol Fraser
