Guyana: Four Charged for Attempted Gold Smuggling and Money Laundering

Four individuals have been charged in Guyana with money laundering after an operation involving members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Special Organized Crime Unit.

The four: Saffee Ahmad, 58; Shameena Ahmad, 52; and Ashiana Salamalay, 33, all of Versailles, West Bank Demerara; and Ian Jacobis, 44, of West Coast Demerara were taken before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court.

The charges have been laid pursuant to “Section 3(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11.” The incident in question took place on June 3, 2024, whereby Customs Officers stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport intercepted a large quantity of gold from being smuggled out of the country.

The police report added that Shameena Ahmad, Ashiana Salamalay, and Ian Jacobis were attempting to transport 240 ounces of gold disguised as silver-plated jewelry without the necessary permits and declarations to Customs Officials. Seized gold is valued at over US$560,000. The accused did not enter a plea before the court. Magistrate Scarce attached a specific condition to the bail: Saffee Ahmad had to report to SOCU every Friday of the month. The matter has been adjourned to July 30, 2024, for continuation.

The arrest and charges show that Guyanese authorities will keep on working to try to weed out illegal activities through the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. The interception of such a colossal quantity of gold really speaks to the vigilance of the Customs Officers and team effort at SOCU in fighting financial crimes.

As it unfolds, this case will most likely enlighten the need for ways of curbing the smuggling and laundering of money in Guyana, leading to enhanced regulatory compliance and law enforcement to protect the economic integrity of the nation.