Guyana's chief legal officer has rejected accusations that politics influenced the decision to drop tax charges against the Mohamed family during an active extradition proceeding, asserting that the move followed standard treaty protocols rather than governmental pressure.
Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall explained on Friday that international agreements prevent concurrent domestic prosecutions when extradition requests involve identical or connected offenses. He noted that the Guyana Revenue Authority withdrew criminal tax allegations to comply with bilateral obligations, while civil recovery efforts continue for approximately 191 billion dollars in assessed liabilities. Nandlall emphasized that criminal convictions would not facilitate tax collection, making civil proceedings more appropriate.
The official dismissed claims that partisan motives drove the case, noting that neither subject held political office when the alleged violations occurred. He clarified that Jamaican lawyers appearing in court represent United States interests under standard cooperative arrangements, not Guyanese authorities. Nandlall characterized the proceedings as routine legal cooperation that attracted unusual attention solely because of the individuals involved.
Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall explained on Friday that international agreements prevent concurrent domestic prosecutions when extradition requests involve identical or connected offenses. He noted that the Guyana Revenue Authority withdrew criminal tax allegations to comply with bilateral obligations, while civil recovery efforts continue for approximately 191 billion dollars in assessed liabilities. Nandlall emphasized that criminal convictions would not facilitate tax collection, making civil proceedings more appropriate.
The official dismissed claims that partisan motives drove the case, noting that neither subject held political office when the alleged violations occurred. He clarified that Jamaican lawyers appearing in court represent United States interests under standard cooperative arrangements, not Guyanese authorities. Nandlall characterized the proceedings as routine legal cooperation that attracted unusual attention solely because of the individuals involved.
