DPP to advise on possible charges over Guyana Marketing Corporation alleged fraud

An audit into GMC had been forwarded to SOCU for further investigation, particularly major findings that there was fraud collusion in relation to the GMC’s office building and services were provided to Guysuco and the rice producers association even though prohibited by the act governing the GMC.

DPP to advise on possible charges over Guyana Marketing Corporation alleged fraud

The Director of Public Prosecutions is currently assessing whether any criminal or other charges could be brought against persons believed to be involved in fraud and mismanagement at the Guyana Marketing Corporation.

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) recently completed and forwarded a report on its investigation into irregularities at GMC for advice.

An audit into GMC had been forwarded to SOCU for further investigation, particularly major findings that there was fraud collusion in relation to the GMC’s office building and services were provided to Guysuco and the rice producers association even though prohibited by the act governing the GMC.

SOCU was also asked to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the fertilizer fund and advances of $1.3 billion taken from the Contingency Fund and used for the purchase of fertilizers.

Both cases occurred under the previous People’s Progressive Party government, covering the period January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2015.

In terms of financial impropriety, the audit report claimed that there was fraudulent reporting of the fertilizer program funds and questionable payments to fund trips for the then Minister of Agriculture.

It described wasteful spending as purchasing alcoholic beverages and the acquisition of an overpowered standby generator.

They were unearthed when the APNU+AFC coalition government carried out a forensic audit into the company when it took office in 2015.

Head of SOCU Sydney James said the agency has already completed its investigation into fraud collusion in rehabilitating the GMC’s office building.

James said SOCU will complete the second part of its investigation into GMC and also forward that for advice from the DPP.

He said several other investigations, relating to money laundering, major forensic audits, gold Smuggling and currency cases are also ongoing.

Some of these matters are already before the Courts.

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