"A Guyanese businessman facing extradition to the US on gold smuggling and money laundering charges has been elected as the country's opposition leader, six months after he formed a political party that quickly became the second largest in the South American nation. Azruddin Mohamed, 38, was confirmed as Guyana's opposition leader after 16 lawmakers from the We Invest in Nationhood party (Win) and another from a single-seat outfit voted in his favor."
"Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were indicted last year in Florida on federal charges of gold smuggling and money laundering. The indictments came just over a year after the US treasury department also sanctioned the duo for allegedly smuggling more than 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds) of gold to the US from Guyana, and evading more than $50 million in taxes. The case has underscored persistent government corruption in the oil-rich South American nation ."
"The family had been among Guyana's largest gold buyers and exporters. They also ran one of the most successful foreign exchange outlets and possess extensive real estate holdings. Authorities have since shuttered all their businesses and commercial bank accounts once the sanctions were announced. Monday's brief session, attended exclusively by opposition lawmakers, took place amid simmering pressure from western nations and civil society groups."
Azruddin Mohamed, 38, was elected Guyana's opposition leader after 16 We Invest in Nationhood lawmakers and one from a single-seat outfit voted for him, making Win the second-largest party. Mohamed faces potential extradition to the United States on federal gold smuggling and money laundering charges alongside his father, Nazar Mohamed. The US Treasury sanctioned the duo for allegedly smuggling over 10,000 kilograms of gold and evading more than $50 million in taxes. Authorities closed their businesses and bank accounts after the sanctions. The developments highlighted persistent government corruption in the oil-rich nation amid pressure over parliamentary delays.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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