Calvin Brutus 200+ charges – Cases to be split across multiple courts for trial

Nearly two years after investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led to charges against former Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, it is now set for another key procedural stage when it returns to court on May 28.

The matter, currently before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and being managed by acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, is expected to be placed on a structured track at the upcoming report hearing, with indications that charges will be allocated across multiple courts for trial management.

Brutus appeared in court on Monday as proceedings were adjourned for the May 28 report date, which is expected to determine how the case will proceed in its next phase. The case stems from a 2024 internal audit and subsequent investigation by SOCU into alleged financial irregularities within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during Brutus’ tenure in office.

He was initially charged in October 2024 with a range of indictable offences, including misconduct in public office, money laundering, conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretence, and larceny by a public officer.

According to earlier court filings, the investigation began after concerns were raised over suspected misuse of authority and questionable financial activity linked to his official capacity. As the investigation progressed, prosecutors expanded the case significantly, laying additional charges in subsequent months. It was indicated that the total number of counts now exceeds 200. Brutus was initially granted bail following his first court appearance, with conditions requiring regular reporting to SOCU and that he surrender his passport to the court.

His bail conditions were later adjusted as additional charges were introduced. In February 2025, he was formally dismissed from the GPF following disciplinary proceedings by the Police Service Commission (PSC), which found that he had been involved in the misuse of the GPF Welfare Fund and irregular record-keeping linked to procurement and financial transactions. The matter also involves several co-accused persons linked to the wider investigation.

These include his wife, Adonika Aulder, Kevin George, a police sergeant and driver; Latoya Brummell; businessman Corwin Nicholson; and Asif Zafarali. Prosecutors allege that the accused were connected through a network of financial transactions and dealings under investigation for suspected misuse of public resources and unlawful acquisition of assets.

They are allegations involving hundreds of millions of dollars in assets, properties and bank accounts under scrutiny. In one of the recent developments, co-accused Asif Zafarali applied for the temporary release of his passport, citing identification and business-related travel needs connected to his work in the sale of truck parts. His Attorney, Glen Hanoman, told the court that the document was necessary for commercial purposes.

The application was refused by the court. Separately, the case has seen a series of procedural arguments, including disputes over disclosure of evidence, bank records and compliance with bail conditions. Defence counsel have consistently challenged aspects of the prosecution’s applications, while SOCU has maintained that its requests for financial records are necessary to substantiate the allegations.

Attorney Everton Lammy-Singh confirmed to Guyana Times on Monday that the matter has now been listed for a report hearing on May 28. He explained that the court is expected to review the full scope of charges and determine how the case will proceed to trial.

A key feature of the upcoming stage is the anticipated division of the case across multiple Magistrates’ courts, reportedly courts three, eight and nine of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, to manage the volume of charges.