The Caribbean Court of Justice has allowed U.S. extradition proceedings to resume against Guyana opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who are indicted in Florida on charges related to gold smuggling and money laundering. The CCJ issued a 256-page judgment rejecting their challenge; defense lawyers are reviewing the ruling. The Mohameds deny the allegations and remain free on bond while the case unfolds amid Guyana's offshore oil boom and ongoing U.S.-Guyana relations.
Caribbean Court Clears Way for U.S. Extradition Proceedings Against Guyana Opposition Leader and Father
FILE - Presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed, of the We Invest in Nationhood party, displays his ink-stained finger after voting in general elections in Georgetown, Guyana, on Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled that U.S. extradition proceedings may proceed against Guyana's opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, after the pair challenged a Florida indictment.
Background and Ruling
The CCJ on Wednesday rejected the Mohameds' legal challenge to a U.S. request that the men face charges in Florida for alleged gold smuggling and money laundering. The defendants have denied wrongdoing and argued that some counts are not extraditable under applicable law. The court issued a 256-page judgment that defense lawyers are reviewing; it was not immediately clear when U.S.-led proceedings would resume.
Courtroom Details
The hearing was livestreamed from Trinidad. Justice Winston Anderson described the matter as "complicated," a sentiment reflected in the lengthy ruling. Attorneys for the Mohameds did not address the court during the hearing and did not immediately respond to follow-up requests for comment.
Reactions from the Mohameds
Azruddin Mohamed, who founded the We Invest in Nationhood Party six months before becoming opposition leader in January, was observed sitting outdoors during the proceedings and occasionally smiling. After the ruling he posted a video on social media saying, "The fight is still on. The CCJ did not rule in our favor, but we respect the court's decision."
Nazar Mohamed told The Associated Press that their lawyers were scrutinizing the 256-page decision and that "based on what lawyers say, all is not lost as yet ... We will be fighting all the way."
Allegations and Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Mohameds, alleging they smuggled more than 10,000 kilograms (about 22,000 pounds) of gold to the United States and evaded over $50 million in taxes. The U.S. Justice Department says the family were among Guyana's largest gold buyers and exporters, selling to buyers in Miami and Dubai. The Mohameds also ran a successful foreign-exchange outlet and own extensive real estate holdings. Since their arrest last year, both men have been released on bond.
Political and Regional Context
The case has drawn attention in Guyana, a country experiencing an economic upswing driven by massive offshore oil discoveries. Despite the actions against the Mohameds, the United States remains on friendly terms with President Irfaan Ali's administration. Venezuela continues to claim the oil-rich offshore deposits, adding geopolitical sensitivity to Guyana's rapid economic changes.
Report filed from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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