In a recent revelation, Gabriel Lall, the former Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), disclosed that the United States Embassy had provided a dossier containing names and photographs of individuals suspected of gold smuggling and other criminal activities. Lall, an American citizen who returned to Guyana, stated that he received the file during his tenure and promptly shared it with then Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman. The dossier reportedly included around 40 names, none of which were identified as Azruddin Mohamed or his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, prominent figures in Guyana’s gold industry. Lall emphasized that the information was shared confidentially and did not contain definitive evidence of gold smuggling, which is why the police were not involved. He also noted that the GGB lacked specific intelligence on gold smuggling operations, relying instead on rumors and speculation. Lall expressed support for a comprehensive investigation into alleged gold smuggling, urging the involvement of the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to ensure credibility. He also criticized Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for singling him out for potential investigation, calling it political persecution. The Mohameds were previously sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in June 2024 for allegedly evading over $50 million in taxes on gold exports. Lall’s revelations shed light on the complexities of gold smuggling in Guyana and the challenges faced by authorities in addressing it.
Former Gold Board Chairman says US Embassy provided names of suspected gold smugglers
