Police officer Calvin Brutus faces corruption allegations in Guyana

Currently one of the most buffed corruption scandals that revolves around the Guyana Police Force involves a high ranking police officer by the name Calvin Brutus. According to the reports, the Assistant Commissioner of Police is allegedly involved in multiple financial fraud and ill-practice cases.

Brutus has been charged with over 240 offences among them being misconduct in public office, money laundering, larceny and fraud. These allegations involve the theft of millions of dollars of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other cooperatives.

The court has restricted Brutus from travelling in other countries as the investigations continue. Hearings that took place recently showed that he allegedly was channelling money meant for police operations to his own pockets.

For instance, it is alleged that he prepared and authorised payment vouchers amounting to $20 million in his capacity. Also, this man together with his driver and a local businessman is said to have plotted to launder over 90 million US dollars through bad cheques.

Brutus has addressed those accusing him of plotting against Julius, that he is a political victim. His own lawyers are now stating that the practices being applied to him, including frozen accounts and suspension orders, are unlawful.

He has sought Certificates from the various courts of law to quash these decisions on grounds of interferences by the senior officials and improper administrative exercises.

The case has received attention across the country, with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo saying that the government will not continue to endure corrupt practices. The Vice President said that cheques that have been issued during Brutus’ tenure at the police force has revealed some worrisome practices.

The accusations of brutality levelled against him have also given a social context to police reform on who should be held accountable and on the mechanisms of internal policing.

This situation clearly brings out the issue of transparency in public office. In this case, Guyanese authorities have a chance to prove their intention to bring the justice and to restore people’s confidence in state institutions.