Mohameds’ extradition case to continue next week amid more delays

A series of setbacks, including illness, religious observance, and clashing court commitments, have again slowed the extradition proceedings involving businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

When the matter resumed before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday, the absence of key members of the defence team threatened to disrupt the continuation of the cross-examination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s Permanent Secretary, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.

Attorney Siand Dhurjon, who represents Nazar Mohamed, was absent due to illness, while Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, representing Azruddin Mohamed, indicated that the information was only relayed shortly before the hearing.

He also informed the court that attorney Damien DaSilva is dealing with a family matter and may no longer be able to continue in the case.

Despite these challenges, the court directed that proceedings continue, with Forde handling the cross-examination.

The prosecution, led by Glenn Hanoman, raised concerns about the recurring interruptions and urged that steps be taken to prevent further disruption to the matter.

In response, the defence maintained that the delays were not intentional, pointing to the observance of Eid by the Mohamed family, alongside the illness and scheduling issues affecting their legal team.

Additional strain was placed on the schedule due to Forde’s existing matters before the High Court and Court of Appeal, limiting his availability in the coming days.

Taking these factors into account, Magistrate Latchman ordered that the proceedings be adjourned after Wednesday’s sitting and resume on Tuesday, March 23, while cautioning that no further delays would be accepted.

The case continues with evidence from the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, centering on official correspondence linked to the extradition request.

The Mohameds are wanted by US authorities for their alleged involvement in a massive, multi-year conspiracy to smuggle over 10,000 kg of gold through Miami, laundering millions of dollars, and committing wire and mail fraud.