The Special Organised Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force today denied that it has been withholding evidence in the fraud case against former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus.

In a statement, the Head of SOCU, Deputy Police Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh rejected a report in another section of the media that stated that Prosecutors in the case have withheld evidence that appear to be in favour of the accused, Calvin Brutus.

The SOCU Head explained that at the latest Court hearing on Thursday, the Defence Counsel for Mr. Brutus produced a letter addressed to the Court requesting disclosure of over 50 statements, which he claims to be in the possession of the Prosecution.

SOCU said the statements referred to by Mr. Brutus’ Attorney are either non-existent or have already been disclosed in other matters concerning the over 200 charges for financial crimes against Mr. Brutus.

SOCU said all statements in the Prosecution’s possession which are relevant to the specific charge in the matter before the Court yesterday have been disclosed by the Prosecution to the Defence several weeks ago.

The SOCU Head described the Defence Attorney’s request as a clear fishing expedition to bolster their case in the public domain and an attempt at seeking cheap publicity.

 Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh said the Defence cannot direct the conduct of investigations in the proceedings by demanding that SOCU takes statements from persons of their choice.

He said the “Prosecution is well aware of its legal and ethical duty to disclose all relevant evidence, even where it could potentially be favourable to the Defence, and strongly refutes any allegations and imputations to the contrary”.

Mr. Brutus is facing more than 250 financial crimes charges. Many of the charges are related to his work in the Police Force and payments to companies owned by his wife. The wife is also facing fraud charges of her own.

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