Azruddin Mohamed sworn in as Guyana MP despite US sanctions and extradition case

Despite being under U.S. sanctions, criminal indictment, and facing extradition to the United States on serious charges, Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party was sworn in on Monday as a Member of Parliament (MP).

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WIN, in a series of press releases, described the swearing-in as “historic,” but critics say it is nothing to celebrate. They argue that it represents a low point in Guyana’s political history—the first time an individual sanctioned and indicted by the U.S. government for gold smuggling, money laundering, and related crimes has taken a seat in the National Assembly.

The opening of Guyana’s 13th Parliament took place on Monday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where all Members of Parliament, both government and opposition, took their oaths of office.

Mohamed arrived in a Lamborghini—one reportedly under U.S. investigation for tax evasion worth millions of dollars. His driver revved the vehicle upon arrival, a gesture some observers described as a show of defiance amid his pending extradition. As a Muslim, Mohamed took his oath using the Quran.

Leader of the APNU parliamentary team, Dr. Terrence Campbell, said Mohamed should be guided by the Westminster convention, which dictates that politicians facing criminal charges should resign.

Mohamed’s WIN party secured 16 of the 29 non-government seats in the new Parliament, positioning him to be elected Leader of the Opposition once administrative processes are completed. His elevation, however, comes as he continues to fight extradition to the United States, where he faces multiple criminal charges.

Sources close to WIN have suggested that Mohamed hopes his new status as an MP will strengthen his fight against extradition. But legal experts have dismissed that notion, noting that Members of Parliament—including the Opposition Leader—have no immunity from criminal prosecution under Guyana’s Constitution. Being sworn in does not shield anyone from extradition or ongoing court proceedings.

Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were arrested in Georgetown last Friday following an extradition request from the U.S. government. Both men, previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, were released on $150,000 bail each, have surrendered their passports, and are required to report weekly to the police as the extradition case proceeds.