The British Government has terminated the contract with British Financial Crimes Expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington, who served as a Special Advisor to the Special Organised Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force.

The decision was made this morning and later announced by the British High Commission in Guyana.

“In light of information about Dr Sam Sittlington’s private business interests his contract in Guyana has been terminated with immediate effect”, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn said in a statement.

According to our sources, it is believed that his decision to have his own investigative company could be seen as a conflict of interest, especially with the key role he was playing in major investigations, especially those linked to political figures.

The Guyana and British Governments were reportedly unaware of his moves to set up his own company, while still in its employ.

The Stabroek News reported today that it has obtained documents which shows that Sittlington registered his own company in Guyana under the name “The Fraud Company (Guyana) Inc.” in September of last year.  The company was registered under the Company’s Act and Sittlington is listed as a Director of the company.

Mr. Sittlington already owns and operates his own fraud investigations company in the United Kingdom.  According to sources close to the Government, it was felt that given the political climate in Guyana, the establishment of a branch of that company in Guyana would raise serious questions.

Sittlington was brought to Guyana by the British Government as part of its assistance to Guyana in the area of Police Reform.  He has been assisting the Special Organised Crime Unit with several major investigations, including those linked to former President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Ministers of Government under the People’s Progressive Party.

In the past, the PPP had accused Sittlington of taking on more than an Advisory role at SOCU. Back in 2017, the Opposition party had called on the Government of Guyana and the British High Commission to explain Sittlington’s real role in the investigations of former Government officials, since he had been seen during raids and major operations.

The British High Commission had explained that his role was nothing more than an advisory and training one.

Sittlington’s termination comes days after another senior official attached to SOCU resigned after refusing to provide her qualifications as an “expert” during a Court case.

The woman, Special Superintendent of Police, Sheronie James, is a British Specialist Investigator who served as the Deputy Head of SOCU.

She told the Court that she would not provide her qualifications because it could be a breach of national security.

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