Suspects in SOCU laundering probe released on self-bail

The eight persons who were questioned by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in relation to a money- laundering probe have been released on their own recognizance, SOCU’s Head, Fazil Karimbaksh has stated.

The matter, Karimbaksh said yesterday, remains an open investigation. Asked if charges were forthcoming for the eight questioned, he maintained that investigations are ongoing.

All eight persons had surrendered last week to SOCU for questioning subsequent to the wanted bulletins issued.

The eight persons questioned were: Denzel Lawrence Muir, 29, of 194 First Street, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara;

Aubrey Anthony Fraser, 24, of Lot 75 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Mackenzie, Linden;

Leon Anthony Williams, 29, of Lot 74 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Linden;

Cassandra Alexandra MacLennan, 25, of Lot 58 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Mackenzie, Linden;

Melicia Adella Williams, 38, of Lot 74 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Mackenzie, Linden, and also of Lot 99 Inner Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, and Lot 347 Ruimveldt, Georgetown;

Akeem Elijah Powers, 27, of Lot 918 Victory Valley, Linden and Lot 37 West Watooka Farm Road, Linden;

Khadijah Nafeesah Long, 24, of Lot 266 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, Upper Demerara River; and

Raul Jomal James, 35, of Lot 98 Accabre Drive, Kara Kara Housing Scheme, Mackenzie, Linden.

The wanted bulletins came two weeks after SOCU arrested and charged a Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, family of three, with the laundering of $4.1 billion through 22 Chinese companies.

The Herstelling businessman and his reputed wife were arrested and charged for allegedly laundering billions to 22 companies in China. Charged were Kenneth Ramnarine, a taxi driver; his reputed wife, Yevette Saroop; and son, Damian Ramnarine, a salesman; all of Lot 274 Somerset Court, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. SOCU laid a total of 268 charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder over $4.1 billion against the family. The son was separately charged on 134 joint fraud charges committed during the years 2018 to 2021.

According to the head of SOCU, reports reaching his unit indicated that the trio conducted multiple suspicious transactions at several financial institutions in

Guyana, raising concerns that they may be involved in money laundering activities. He disclosed that his suspicions were based primarily on the large number of unsubstantiated cash deposits made via Kenneth’s business accounts of Ken’s Trading Enterprise.

Furthermore, the Sources of Funds declarations were submitted to several commercial banks which showed that most of the deposits are attributed to sales proceeds from biodegradable food boxes sold to local businesses, particularly Chinese restaurants. Karimbaksh said that a substantial number of wire transfers, amounting to over $3.7 billion were sent to twenty-two companies in China under the pretext of importing raw materials to produce bio-degradable products, while other sums were disguised locally, overall, totalling over $4.1 billion. He related that his investigators were unable to find any legitimate source of these funds, which the accused wire-transferred out of Guyana.

Meanwhile, China’s embassy in Guyana has stated that it stands ready to assist local law enforcement officials. In the same vein, it cautioned that the investigation involving some 22 Chinese companies was incomplete and has warned that it considers any presumption of guilt as unfair.

“Should the Chinese embassy in Guyana be requested to provide some assistance, we would be quite willing to do it within our capacity.” a spokesperson for the embassy said in response to questions asked by this newspaper. “It is our knowledge that police investigation to the case … has not been completed in Guyana. Presumption of guilt at this time is not appropriate or fair.”

As investigations continue, Attorney General Anil Nandlall recently asked the Regional Security System’s (RSS) Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) to assist in high-profile money laundering cases.

The release said that the

Attorney General requested the RSS ARU to aid the local FIU and SOCU in “certain high-profile ongoing investigations of money laundering.” While in Guyana, the RSS met with the FIU, SOCU, and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit.

Nandlall met with the visiting RSS delegation which comprised Director (Ag), Kisha Sutherland; Senior Financial Investigator, Randy Alexander; and Senior Legal Advisor, Chanika Carrington. Accompanying the Attorney General to the meeting were Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Joann Bond; and AML/CFT Officer, Romel St. Hill, who is attached to the Attorney General’s Chambers.