Calvin Brutus Granted $6.2M Bail on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges

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Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 24, 2024, where he was granted bail in the amount of GUY$6.2 million. Brutus faces multiple charges, including fraud, larceny, misconduct in public office, and money laundering. The Senior officer was also required to surrender his passport and report to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) once every month.

The prosecution objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the allegations and the ongoing investigation into approximately GUY$500 million linked to Brutus, his wife, and their young son. Despite the objections, the magistrate allowed Brutus to post bail and set a further date for the reading of additional charges, including liability of official contrary to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

Brutus, who has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, criticized SOCU’s actions, labeling a recent raid on his apartment as a “fishing expedition.” He claimed that the use of force during the raid was excessive and unnecessary, asserting that he posed no flight risk. Brutus further insisted that all his business dealings were conducted legally and approved by relevant authorities.

Brutus’ troubles began in July 2024 when he was transferred from his position as Deputy Commissioner of Administration and later sent on annual leave. He contends that the decisions were politically motivated and that he was denied due process in the matter. Brutus has since filed a constitutional motion, arguing that the government has embarked on a campaign of harassment against him to block his career progression within the Guyana Police Force.

The case against Brutus involves a probe into suspicious transactions totaling approximately GUY$800 million, with SOCU suspecting the funds to be proceeds of crime. Businesses linked to Brutus’ wife were also found to have supplied goods to the Guyana Police Force, raising further concerns of conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing, with over 240 charges pending against the Senior officer.