A regional Caribbean court has ruled that a U.S. extradition process against Guyana’s main opposition leader, Azruddin Mohamed, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, can resume. The two men are wanted in Florida on charges of gold smuggling and money laundering, and they had legally challenged the U.S. extradition request.
The Caribbean Court of Justice, which serves as the final court of appeal for several regional nations, issued its ruling on Wednesday. The decision allows the U.S. extradition process, which was initiated last year, to move forward after being halted by the legal challenge.
Azruddin Mohamed, who became Guyana's opposition leader in January after founding the We Invest in Nationhood Party, and his father have denied the accusations. Their defense had argued that some of the charges they face are not extraditable offenses.
Following the ruling, Azruddin Mohamed posted a video on social media stating, "The fight is still on." He added, "The CCJ did not rule in our favor, but we respect the court’s decision." Nazar Mohamed also indicated that their attorneys would review the court's extensive judgment and advise on the next steps, suggesting that "all is not lost as yet."
The U.S. Treasury Department has previously sanctioned the Mohameds, alleging they smuggled more than 10,000 kilograms of gold from Guyana to the United States and evaded over $50 million in taxes. According to the U.S. Justice Department, the father and son were among Guyana's largest gold buyers and exporters, with sales to buyers in Miami and Dubai. They also operated foreign exchange businesses and held significant real estate holdings.
Both Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed have been out on bond since their arrest last year following the U.S. extradition request. The U.S. government's pursuit of the Mohameds occurs as Guyana experiences an economic boom driven by offshore oil discoveries, while maintaining friendly relations with the administration of President Irfaan Ali.