SOCU to appeal dismissal of money laundering charges against Chinese national

See full statement from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU):

On March 31, 2026 Magistrate Annette Singh upheld a no-case submission in the matters against Chinese national, Ms. Ying Xin Su, and dismissed the charges.

The charges alleged that on 9 July 2024, during a search conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force at rooms occupied by the defendant at the Princess Ramada International Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara, investigators discovered approximately GY$52M together with substantial sums in foreign currency and documents relating to her properties.

During the course of the trial, the prosecution attempted to tender several pieces of material evidence, including a Financial Analyst Report, a video-audio recorded interview with the defendant, and other documentary evidence considered critical to proving the prosecution’s case, however, the Magistrate refused to admit these critical exhibits which ought to have been properly admitted under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.

SOCU contended at the time that there were no legal basis for the Magistrate to exclude any of these evidence which materially affected the state’s ability to prove its full case before the Court.

During the course of the trial the prosecution was further ordered to close its case prematurely by the Magistrate, notwithstanding that there remained three (3) available witnesses with material evidence yet to be led and were present in court. SOCU is of the view that the Magistrate erred in law and was unreasonable among other things, and the decision of the court could not be supported having regards to the evidence that was being led and the prevailing circumstances at the time.

SOCU is currently taking steps to appeal the decision of the court and is of the view that there is a realistic prospect of success on appeal.

Further, civil asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in relation to the cash, vehicles, and properties are being pursued by SOCU.