Azruddin Mohamed and Mohamed’s Enterprise: A Wake-Up Call for Guyanese Democracy
Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed are accused and sanctioned by U.S. law enforcement for money laundering, gold smuggling, and evading the payment of $50 million owed to the government of Guyana. Additionally, the Mohameds face accusations from the GRA for failing to pay duties on imported cars, totaling millions of Guyanese dollars.
The voters in Guyana know that Azruddin Mohamed is the biggest political buffoon. He recently declared himself a presidential candidate for the September 1, 2025, General Election. This fool needs to study the constitution of Guyana before announcing himself as a presidential candidate.
Azruddin Mohamed’s statement on Facebook.
“I stand ready to raise my hand, put my shoulder to the task, and dedicate my mind and heart to building a world-class Guyana where every citizen is treated equally, not through buzzwords but through the hard work of building trust and forging genuine harmony,” he said in the video message.
For the first time in Guyana’s political history, Azruddin Mohamed, sanctioned by the U.S. government and mentioned in a global Reuters article, has been designated a money launderer, gold smuggler, and evader of USD 50 million in taxes owed to the GRA in Guyana. He has also failed to pay millions of Guyana dollars in duties for imported cars while running as a presidential candidate.
The Mohameds must travel to the USA to contest the sanctions and clear their names. However, the father and son understand that they will likely be arrested and spend time in jail until their trial. If found guilty, they could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Both Mohameds are working hard to divert Guyanese’s attention from the sanctions imposed by U.S. authorities, but many voters no longer care about them.
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves across Guyana and beyond, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) recently imposed sanctions on prominent Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. The duo, who have operated under the well-known banner of Mohamed’s Enterprise, are accused of large-scale gold smuggling and money laundering, casting a shadow over their business and political ambitions.
The decision to sanction the Mohameds, particularly under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, is a significant move by U.S. authorities, and its implications for Guyana are profound. This situation involves more than just local politics or business rivalry; it highlights serious international concerns regarding corruption, financial misconduct, and the vulnerability of Guyana’s growing economy.
The Heart of the Allegations
Between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise allegedly omitted over 10,000 kilograms of gold from official import and export declarations. As a result, they reportedly avoided paying more than $50 million in duties to the government of Guyana. These revelations emerged from investigations coordinated by several U.S. agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Diplomatic Security Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson noted, “Today’s action underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to exploit Guyana’s underdeveloped gold sector for personal gain.” He emphasized the U.S. government’s determination to protect the American financial system from misuse by corrupt foreign actors.
These coordinated actions underscore the seriousness with which the U.S. addresses financial crimes, particularly when they impact international partners like Guyana. The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets linked to the Mohameds and prohibit U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging with them, effectively isolating them from the global financial system.
The Fallout in Guyana
The OFAC sanctions have sparked considerable debate in Guyana regarding the individuals involved and the broader implications for governance, accountability, and democracy in the country. Azruddin Mohamed’s rumored intention to enter politics and possibly run for President of Guyana raises concerns.
Given the serious accusations against him, such aspirations have certainly raised eyebrows. Many citizens question the audacity of someone sanctioned for gold smuggling and money laundering, even considering a run for the highest office in the land. Critics argue that this disrespects the electorate’s intelligence and belittles the sacrifices made by many to establish Guyana’s democratic institutions.
The suggestion that Azruddin and his father have allegedly been trying to manipulate specific communities, particularly Guyana’s Muslim population, which constitutes about 6% of the national demographics, by presenting themselves as benevolent benefactors only adds fuel to the fire. While outreach to religious or ethnic groups is a regular part of political engagement, many view such strategies as a defense against credible allegations against the Mohammeds, seeing them as deceptive.
Our Indo-Guyanese Muslim community recognizes the political maneuvers of the Mohameds and will not fall for the game played by the two Mohameds, facing sanctions imposed by U.S. authorities. Many Muslim voters are casting their ballots for the PPP party and have made it clear to the Mohammeds that they do not wish to be associated with gold smugglers and money launderers, whom the U.S. government has sanctioned, as reported by Reuters. The world is aware of the U.S.A.’s sanctions against the Mohameds through Reuters, although some local newspapers provide publicity to the Mohameds. Why? Only the so-called editors of these scarcely read newspapers know. Today, social media platforms have taken the place of newspapers. In a few years, newspapers in Guyana will be gone for good.
ExxonMobil and Corporate Rejection
The credibility of the Mohamed family is further undermined by their alleged removal from business dealings with ExxonMobil. Reports suggest that Mohamed’s Enterprise was allegedly removed from the onshore project at ExxonMobil’s request. This action, driven by reputational concerns, demonstrates global corporations’ strong commitment to compliance and ethical standards. By distancing itself from the Mohameds, ExxonMobil effectively confirmed that the accusations against it were misaligned with its values and operations.
Misunderstanding Governance and the Electoral System
One striking critique of Azruddin Mohamed’s political aspirations is his apparent lack of understanding of the Guyanese electoral system. Guyana’s political framework is rooted in a parliamentary democracy that values transparency, education, and service. Most current leaders possess advanced academic qualifications, holding degrees from reputable institutions in Guyana and abroad. In contrast, critics argue that Azruddin lacks political experience and formal education, making his desire to run for president unrealistic and challenging the democratic process.
Additionally, he lacks support from any political party and appears unaware of the structure of electoral campaigns in Guyana. Politics is not merely about wealth or influence; it necessitates a profound understanding of public administration, legislation, and governance. Consequently, his aspirations seem more like a vanity project than a genuine desire to serve the people.
A Mockery to Voters and a Threat to Institutions
The belief that wealth acquired through questionable means can buy political power is dangerous. It undermines trust in institutions, diminishes the value of meritocracy, and sends a harmful message to future generations. Many Guyanese citizens, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds, are committed to upholding justice, integrity, and competence in public life.
Azruddin’s rise, fueled by the profits of gold smuggling and driven by unchecked ambition, is viewed by many as a direct challenge to these values. Worse still, his self-identified role as a “man of the people” contradicts the findings of U.S. law enforcement agencies, which accuse him and his father of exploiting Guyana’s economy for personal gain.
This disconnect is not lost on the public. While the Mohamed family may still enjoy some local support, particularly among the communities they have targeted with donations and business dealings, the broader population sees through the façade. The Guyanese people are not naïve and are increasingly aware of the global implications of corruption and financial crimes involving the Mohameds.
Political Affiliations and Repercussions
Interestingly, reports indicate that some members of Guyana’s political landscape—especially the PNC—know the Mohameds’ legal troubles and are cautious in their interactions. Meanwhile, the AFC’s position remains unclear, although its ongoing association with controversial figures like Azharuddin could backfire and attract scrutiny from US law enforcement authorities.
There are also concerns that Nigel Hughes, a lawyer and political figure, could face questioning by U.S. authorities if he chooses to associate with Mohameds who are under sanctions by the U.S. government. In a globalized world where financial systems are interconnected and information flows rapidly, no political actor can afford to ignore international norms.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Guyana
The saga of Azharuddin and Nazar Mohamed should serve as a wake-up call for Guyana. It underscores the perils of unchecked ambition, the damaging influence of money on politics, and the necessity of protecting the integrity of democratic institutions.
As Guyana emerges as a key player in the global oil and mineral sectors, it cannot afford to let its reputation be tarnished by individuals like the Mohameds who flout the law and exploit communities for personal gain. Citizens must remain vigilant, demand accountability, and refuse to be swayed by wealth or empty promises.
The message from the United States is clear: corruption will not be tolerated, and those who attempt to exploit Guyana’s resources for selfish purposes will be held accountable. It is now up to the people of Guyana to ensure that their future leaders reflect the country’s highest values, not its darkest shadows.