Another Essequibo businessman arrested for gold smuggling, money laundering

In a concerted effort to combat gold smuggling and associated illegal activities, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) executed a joint intelligence led operation on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the premises of Essequibo businessman Mahindar Nauth Ghanesh of Lot 1-2 Track B New Road Essequibo Coast. This operation resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of cash and gold.

Ghanesh has been under surveillance for some period by both local and international partners and is suspected to have extensive connections in illicit gold trading.

Ghanesh is currently in custody and is cooperating with ongoing investigations into gold smuggling and money laundering.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, SOCU conducted a joint intelligence-led operation at the premises of Essequibo businessman/gold miner Ramanand Ganesh called Goldman of Middlesex Essequibo Coast, which resulted in the seizure of two illegal firearms and a large quantity of cash.