Senior Police Officer in Guyana Goes on Leave as Probe Continues Into Multi-Million Dollar Deposit
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that the head of the Special Branch and acting Deputy Commissioner, Calvin Brutus, has been sent on leave to allow a probe into alleged financial impropriety.
“Consequent to allegations of financial impropriety levelled against Deputy Commissioner (ag) Calvin Brutus on social media and established media houses, Calvin Brutus has since requested permission to proceed on annualised vacation leave with immediate effect to facilitate an investigation in the best interest of the Guyana Police Force. Permission was granted by the Commissioner of Police through the prescribed procedure,” the GPF said in a statement.
Media reports said that Brutus allegedly deposited GUY$16.5 million (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) into his account at the Police Credit Union on December 15, 2023. The money was returned to him the following day and the source of funds was given as contributions from before, during and after a wedding.
The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financing Terrorism regime requires financial institutions to ‘Know Your Customer’ and flag all suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit which, if necessary, will refer them to the Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit for investigation.