In the midst of a burgeoning controversy, Guyanese businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin, partners in a multimillion-dollar venture to build ExxonMobil a shore base in Guyana, have refuted allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking, and gold smuggling. A July 14 Reuters report claims the duo are under criminal investigation and potentially face U.S. sanctions as a result.
The accusations come as the Mohameds, focused on gold mining, have expanded into the oil business. This venture comprises a US$300 million shore base being constructed for Exxon, a project led by a consortium which includes the Mohameds along with Guyanese businessmen Andron Alphonso and Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer. The consortium is called NRG Holdings and is partnered with the European Jan De Nul.
Reuters claims ExxonMobil had ignored advice from U.S. government officials to refuse business with the Mohameds.
In a statement to Reuters, Exxon said, “We comply with all applicable laws where we operate and conduct our business.”
The Mohameds, according to Reuters, are facing investigation by several U.S. agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security. Nazar Mohamed stated to Reuters that the allegations against them were “false and defamatory”.
In a press statement following publication of the article on Friday, the Mohameds challenged Reuters to produce evidence supporting the allegations made in their report. They categorically denied being subjects of any investigations by U.S. authorities and stated they were “surprised and astonished” that a reputable news agency would publish such allegations without substantive proof.
The statement ended with a reaffirmation of their commitment to uphold the law and conduct their business operations with the highest standards of legitimacy and integrity.
