Facing criminal charges of tax evasion and false declarations in relation to the importation of a luxury car, businessman and Presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed has stated that it was President Irfaan Ali who assisted and facilitated the importation of the luxury vehicle back in 2020.

Speaking to reporters after posting bail on the criminal charges this morning, Mr. Mohamed recalled that just after the 2020 elections, he contacted that Vice President on the importation of the vehicle. He said the Vice President told him that he should let the President assist with the matter.

According to Mr. Mohamed, he contacted the President and got the assistance he needed. He said he has evidence to back-up his claims.

“Irfaan Ali is nothing more than a dishonest and dishonourable person. I have proof where Irfaan Ali facilitated and assisted with the clearance of the Lamborghini. I am waiting for him to say that that is a lie, and trust me, anytime he comes out and say that is a lie, I will show the whole country how dishourable he is…I have proof”, he stated.

The businessman has been accused by the Guyana Revenue Authority of making a false declaration and undervaluing the cost of the Lamborghini vehicle that he imported.

He is facing criminal charges and is also fighting back at the GRA over its attempt to seize a number of the vehicles he imported over undervaluing and other claims.

“Before I bought this Lamborghini, I called Jagdeo and said I want to speak with you. He said come down now to the convention centre, that was August-September. I told him I wanted to purchase a Lamborghini, he said go to Irfaan and talk to Irfaan, that’s what he told me. I met with him at the convention centre,” he said.

Asked whether the “assistance” allegedly offered by the President in the clearance of vehicle was a thank you gift for the financial support given to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the lead up to the 2020 Elections, Mohamed said he does not know, but said he knows that the taxes were paid.

He admitted to funding the PPP/C over the years and complained that he is now facing political prosecution due to his interest in running for President.

Meanwhile, his father, Nazar Mohamed told reporters that the charges against his son are politically motivated.

“It is a clear case of victimization. Because, this Lamborghini came in here almost five years now. Within the next few months, it would be due for a transfer, if he wants to sell it. Nobody never came, nobody never said that revenues were cheated but then suddenly,” Senior Mohamed said.

He is convinced that the charges against his son are being instituted by the State to force him out of the electoral race for the presidency.

In the High Court matter, the GRA has provided a quotation that was reportedly dispatched to Azruddin Mohamed ahead of his purchase of the vehicle. The revenue collection body has also provided bank records showing various transfers to the company that sold him the luxury vehicle.

Mohamed was once a close ally of the governing party and its leaders. However, that relationship soured over the past few years, especially after the businessman, his father, their companies and Government Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas were all sanctioned by the US Government.

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