Last Updated on Thursday, 10 September 2026, 20:42 by Writer
The Head of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Special Branch on Thursday said he shredded and burnt records containing information that a United States (U.S.) marshal had spoken with wanted Guyanese businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed after they were arrested on October 31, 2025.
Senior Superintendent Prem Narine denied suggestions by defence lawyer Siand Dhurjon that the documents in a separate book of his were the actual operational records of what took place on the date of the arrest.
He said he shredded the books with a machine and burnt them in January 2026 at the Special Branch headquarters.
“Well, I will put that to you that you’ve shredded and burnt the true operational record of what you did that day, which used to be in existence,” said Mr Dhurjon.
In response, Mr Narine said, “No, I don’t agree with that.”
When quizzed about whether there was a standing order or any other written document that requires the destruction of documents, Mr Narine justified his decision, saying that he was obliged to destroy any record the he considers secret.
“Anything I consider that is a secret and should be destroyed, I do that….And for it to remain that way, I destroy it,” he said.
He said that he was a signatory to the Official Secrets Act but eventually said he would need legal advice on the nature of the record under the law or whether it was a private police document.
“I would have to get some legal advice on how to answer that. I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’m allowed to answer that,” said Mr Narine.
Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie told the court that he was unsure about what his witness was talking about.
Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman remarked that the Head of Special Branch could not be a signatory to a law.
In court on Thursday also, the head of the Special Branch confirmed that he permitted U.S. Marshall Sandy Rao to have a private discussion with the Mohameds and that was held in full view of him (Narine) “but out of hearing”. However, he said that was not included in the Brickdam Police Station station diary.
Mr Narine said he was unaware of what was discussed between that U.S. federal agent and the Mohameds who are wanted by the U.S. to face trial in a Florida federal court for alleged wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering.
The U.S. Marshals Service is the lead federal law enforcement agency and subject matter expert in fugitives and extradition matters in the U.S.
Earlier Thursday, in order to argue the point of political persecution of the Mohameds to get them extradited, the defence said the elder Mohamed is a financier of his son’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party.
Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman once again expressed grave concern about apparent repeated attempts to delay the extradition hearing as far as possible.
