Mohameds Arrested in Guyana on U.S. Extradition Request Secure Bail
In a significant legal development, Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of Guyana’s opposition party, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were arrested on an extradition request from the United States. The arrests took place on Friday, following a formal extradition request received by the Guyanese government the previous day.
Details of the Extradition Request
According to Guyana’s Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, the arrests were conducted by the Guyana Police Force under a magistrate-issued warrant. The U.S. extradition request is part of a broader legal framework established by an extradition treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom, which is applicable in Guyana.
Indictment and Allegations
The Mohameds are facing serious charges stemming from a grand jury indictment unsealed on October 6, 2025. They are accused of:
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Conspiracy
- Customs violations
The allegations suggest that between 2017 and June 2024, the two conspired to defraud the Guyanese government by evading export taxes and royalties on over 10,000 kilograms of gold through falsified customs documentation.
Financial Irregularities
The indictment also highlights a specific incident involving a shipment of undeclared gold valued at $5.3 million, which was seized at Miami International Airport. Additional accusations include under-invoicing a luxury vehicle valued at more than $680,000.
Current Status of the Mohameds
Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are currently at Police Headquarters in Eve Leary. They were granted bail of GYD$150,000 each. Conditions of their bail require them to surrender their passports and report to the police every Friday.
Legal Framework and Next Steps
The case has been adjourned until November 11, 2025, and the Mohameds will be processed according to the extradition provisions in the Fugitive Offenders Act. This legal framework aligns with the relevant laws of Guyana.
The investigation into the Mohameds is said to have started in the mid-2010s, with cooperation between U.S. and Guyanese authorities beginning as early as 2016-2017. In June 2024, sanctions were imposed on the Mohameds and their company for alleged tax evasion and related offenses.
The unfolding legal proceedings surrounding the Mohameds represent a pivotal moment in Guyana’s political landscape, with ongoing implications for both domestic law enforcement efforts and international relations.
