Probe continues in to multi million dollar gold smuggling ring; more visas could be revoked

A number of businessmen who have an interest in the gold mining sector have been fingered in a multi million dollar gold smuggling ring. Most of them have businesses in Georgetown and in Bartica and other interior communities.

Probe continues in to multi million dollar gold smuggling ring; more visas could be revoked

A Major investigation is underway into the possible involvement of Customs and other security officers  in the smuggling of raw gold out of the country.

A number of businessmen who have an interest in the gold mining sector have been fingered in a multi million dollar gold smuggling ring. Most of them have businesses in Georgetown and in Bartica and other interior communities.

The US embassy has already moved in and revoked the visas for a number of businessmen over money laundering and smuggling suspicion.

It is believed that the businessmen were assisted in their efforts to get the gold out of the country.

 While some fingers are being pointed at customs officers, the Guyana Revenue Authority is saying that its officers based at the airport are NOT involved in the searching or security of bags of outgoing passengers.

In a statement yesterday, the GRA said customs officers have a very limited role at the Cheddi Jagan airport when it comes to the movement of the bags of passengers.

The Revenue collection agency however, has stated that it will probe any accusations being thrown at its staff.

There are reports that over the past six months or more, businessmen used not just the Cheddi Jagan Airport, but also the Ogle airport to ship gold bars out of the country without making any declarations.

US Security agents have now joined forces with local agents to tackle the problem.

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