In a nation striving to grow through transparency, the rule of law, and democratic values, it is both shocking and outrageous that someone like Azzrudin Mohamed would attempt to commit blatant fraud against the state—and then have the audacity to double down on his lies in public. Mohamed’s actions, exposed by President Irfaan Ali and documented by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and United States authorities, reveal a man desperate to cover up a multi-million-dollar deception. However, no number of flashy videos, social media manipulation, or targeted insults can erase the damning paper trail he left behind.
The scandal involves the Lamborghini Aventador, a luxury sports car valued at US$695,000—a fact confirmed by financial documents, wire transfers, and even exhibits presented in court. However, in what can only be described as a calculated and deliberate act of fraud, Mohamed reported the vehicle to the GRA as costing only US$75,000, effectively attempting to deprive the Guyanese people of hundreds of millions in taxes and duties.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a car. It’s about a wealthy and influential individual who believed he could manipulate the laws of Guyana to fulfill his greed. This concerns entitlement, deceit, and the shameful notion that power and privilege can triumph over truth and justice.
President Irfaan Ali Breaks Silence: “This Reinforces His Dishonesty”
In response to a video released by Mohamed, President Irfaan Ali issued a strong and unapologetic statement through his verified Facebook account. His words were direct, precise, and based on evidence:
“The video of Azzrudin Mohamed reinforces his duplicity and dishonesty. My number is no secret. It is the same number I have had in and out of the Government, so having my number is nothing special. Thousands of Guyanese continue to contact me on various matters.”
The President’s response directly debunked Mohamed’s attempts to manipulate the public into believing there was some impropriety in simply possessing his contact. More importantly, President Ali exposed the fraudulent nature of the vehicle declaration:
“At no time did Azzrudin Mohamed present any invoice for US$695,000, which we now know is the true and correct value of the car. Instead, he reaffirmed and confirmed his lies that the invoice he shared and presented to GRA was US$75,000.”
The records obtained by the GRA from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) reveal three financial transfers totaling $622,000 sent to the U.S.-based seller of the Lamborghini between October 5 and 7, 2020. This alone serves as undeniable proof that the car’s value was significantly misrepresented by the authorities.
President Ali did not mince words:
“Did he lie about the value he presented as the purchased price of the vehicle? The answer is yes… Based on the facts now presented by the US authorities, he did lie and presented a falsified invoice to the GRA.”
This is a man who tried to deceive not only the state but also the head of state. It takes an unimaginable level of arrogance to commit such fraud and then publicly insult the President, who is obligated to uphold the law.
The Anatomy of a Lie
Let’s break down the fraud in simple terms. Azzrudin Mohamed purchased a car for $695,000, paying in multiple tranches to a U.S. company. However, instead of declaring this amount to the GRA, he created and submitted a falsified invoice claiming the vehicle was worth just $75,000. That’s a difference of $620,000—a colossal figure in any country, especially in a developing economy like Guyana, where every cent of revenue matters.
This wasn’t a clerical error. This wasn’t ignorance. This was a deliberate attempt to commit customs fraud—a criminal offense by any international standard.
The U.S. Department of Justice has already confirmed the vehicle’s true value, and the documentation is solid. Therefore, when Mohamed released his video again, reiterating the same false claim of US$75,000, it was not only disrespectful, but it was also disastrous. He effectively reminded everyone of his deception as new evidence continued to accumulate against him.
The Public Isn’t Fooled
Mohamed’s playbook follows the “buy your way out” strategy: create confusion, insult your accusers, and play the victim. However, Guyanese citizens are not naïve. The people of Guyana recognize when they are being made fools of—and they are not putting up with it.
His insults directed at President Ali are simply the final gasps of a man who has run out of excuses. No matter how loudly he shouts or how many videos he posts, the facts remain unshakeable—and they are damning.
Worse still, there is an underlying assumption by Mohamed and his camp that handouts and spectacles can sway the Guyanese public. The reality is quite different: the public will take their money and still say, “Get lost!”
You cannot insult a nation’s intelligence and expect loyalty in return.
The Muslim Community Responds
Azzrudin Mohamed’s latest video also seeks to exploit religious identity to garner sympathy. However, the Muslim community in Guyana—making up about 6.3% of the population—is not a monolith and certainly should not be seen as a shield for criminal behavior. Guyanese Muslims, like all citizens, respect the rule of law and have voiced their dismay over the harm caused to the community’s reputation by Mohamed’s actions.
His exploitation of Islamic values, while simultaneously committing fraud and insulting the nation’s leader, is a betrayal of a community that upholds integrity, service, and justice.
The Road Ahead
The Guyana government, led by President Irfaan Ali, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to pursuing this matter legally and transparently. The GRA has already submitted evidence in court, and the U.S. is reportedly preparing related charges, including money laundering and gold smuggling.
No sum of money, family legacy, or online circus can shield Mohamed from accountability now. The court of public opinion has spoken, and the legal courts are next.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Ruins
What could have been a story of a successful businessman contributing to the nation’s prosperity has now turned into a cautionary tale of arrogance, greed, and downfall. Azzrudin Mohamed’s attempt to deceive the state has not only failed—it has publicly imploded spectacularly.
The man who once flaunted power and prestige now stands exposed, not as a leader or a visionary, but as a fraudster who believed he was above the law.
Azzrudin Mohamed will face the courts, the public, and ultimately, the consequences. If found guilty of fraud by the court, he will spend time in jail in Guyana.