President Dr. Irfaan Ali has sounded a stern warning about United States-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, branding him a serious threat to Guyana’s national security.
In a Facebook live stream, President Ali addressed recent social media claims by Mohamed, the presidential candidate for the We Invest in Nationhood party, and his supporters, who alleged that the Guyana government had sanctioned him.
The President made it clear that Mohamed was sanctioned by the United States government’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) following a comprehensive investigation, not by the government of Guyana.
“Is Azruddin Mohamed a national security threat? Is he a security risk for Guyana? Yes, he is a risk for many reasons,” President Ali stated. He explained that Mohamed poses a threat to Guyana’s financial system, natural resources, diplomatic relations, and ultimately, the country’s sovereignty.
The U.S. sanctions identify Mohamed as a key figure involved in gold smuggling and defrauding the state of over US$50 million in five years. President Ali emphasised that these sanctions prohibit U.S. agencies and businesses from engaging with him.
“Our greatest threat is Venezuela,” the President said, linking Mohamed’s activities to Venezuela’s destabilising influence. “Is Azruddin Mohamed a threat to the defence of this border against Venezuela? Yes.”
President Ali also urged the Guyanese public and media to seek clarity from commercial banks, insurance companies, and other institutions that have distanced themselves from Mohamed’s financial dealings.
He further rejected claims that the Guyanese government influenced statements from U.S. Congress members, explaining that congressional offices operate independently with their own investigative and intelligence resources.
Two U.S. Congress members have publicly voiced concerns about Mohamed’s candidacy and ties. Congressman Carlos Gimenez labelled Mohamed a “pro-Maduro puppet,” warning of a Venezuelan-backed attempt to interfere in Guyana’s elections.
Another congresswoman expressed similar concerns, underscoring the potential threat Mohamed poses to Guyana’s security and democratic processes.
President Ali called on all Guyanese to understand that the issue transcends politics. “This is about our security architecture and infrastructure. It is about our country,” he said.
He challenged previous administrations to disclose what they knew about Mohamed’s activities and insisted that the current government is committed to investigating all risks to national security.
“Azruddin Mohamed is absolutely no threat to the People’s Progressive Party’s electoral victory,” Ali declared. “Unlike Mr. Mohamed, who can act selfishly and sacrifice our national security, I have a responsibility as your President to ensure our country remains strong, stable, and secure.”
