No disclosure on Mohameds alleged connections to Venezuela, Middle East

Last Updated on Monday, 10 November 2025, 21:34 by Writer

United States (U.S.)-hired lawyers on Monday did not disclose to Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed’s lawyers the wanted men’s alleged links to Venezuela and the Middle East, according to Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde.

“Absolutely none! Absolutely none!” Mr Forde, who is a member of the Mohameds’ defence team, told reporters when asked by Demerara Waves Online News whether he saw any documents from the U.S. lawyers linking the Mohameds to Venezuela and the Middle East.

During the U.S. lawyers’ unsuccessful opposition to bail on October 31, the U.S. legal team had alleged that the Mohameds “engaged in an international criminal enterprise” with tentacles stretching to “high offices” in Venezuela and through the U.S. to the Middle East. Lawyer Terrence Williams had said the U.S. had information that the Mohameds had property in Brazil and were in contact with Venezuelan officials and so they could flee to Venezuela and continue their unlawful enterprise.

The Mohameds are challenging the U.S.’ extradition request to face trial in a Florida federal court for an 11-count grand jury indictment. They face a maximum 20-year jail sentence, asset forfeiture on charges including mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering connected to their gold exports business.

The Mohameds, who are on GY$150,000 bail, are to return to court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on November 24.

Lawyer Williams of Jamaica, told reporters on Monday that standard disclosures were done on Monday morning and the case has been adjourned for further case management to be “ready to do the committal proceedings.” He said “the regular” diplomatic and case evidence documents were handed over to the defence team.

Mr Forde said the “extensive” documents handed over on Monday include a U.S. request to the Guyana government. However, he wants the prosecution to “reveal all the documents that they have in their possession that would be related to this matter.”

Outside the courthouse, a mere handful of We Invest in Nationhood supporters turned out in solidarity primarily with their leader, Azruddin Mohamed.

The turnout was much smaller compared to October 31 when the Mohameds appeared in court for the first time.

Between then and now, the Guyana Revenue Authority has dropped all income tax evasion charges against the Mohameds in light of the U.S.’ extradition request.

House Speaker Manzoor Nadir is yet to summon a meeting of all opposition members of parliament to elect Guyana’s opposition leader following the September 1 general and regional elections. Mr Mohamed, with his party’s 16 seats, is widely expected to be elected opposition leader.