Guyana’s New Opposition Leader Arrested, Faces Extradition to US

The newly elected opposition leader of Guyana, Azruddin Mohamed, was arrested by local police on Friday, just days before the first parliamentary session following the September 1 general elections. Mohamed is set to be extradited to the United States to face multiple financial charges, according to local authorities.

The arrest comes only four days before parliament convenes, where Mohamed’s party, We Invest in Nationhood, had anticipated his election as opposition leader. The party secured 16 out of 65 seats, positioning it as the second largest political group in Guyana, trailing behind the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Charges and Extradition Request

Officials revealed that the United States had formally requested Mohamed’s extradition this week. His arrest follows a significant indictment unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Grand Jury in the Southern District of Florida. This indictment includes serious allegations such as wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs-related violations associated with an alleged US $50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall confirmed the extradition request, stating, “The Mohameds are the subject of an indictment that charges them with multiple offences related to their illicit activities.” Both Azruddin and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were previously sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2022 for their involvement in these alleged financial crimes, including the smuggling of over 10,000 kilograms of gold into the United States.

Reactions and Political Implications

The arrest has sparked significant controversy in Guyana, with reactions from political figures and the public highlighting concerns over the state of democracy in the country. Khamelia Mohamed, a spokesperson for the WIN party and sister of Azruddin, criticized the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stating, “If this is what democracy looks like in Guyana, then we are in a very sad state.” She suggested that the timing of the arrest may be a deliberate attempt to undermine her brother’s position as opposition leader.

Historically, the relationship between the PPP and Azruddin Mohamed has been contentious, with the ruling party openly expressing its desire to eliminate him from the political landscape. The arrest adds a new layer of complexity to the already strained political environment in the country.

The unfolding situation will undoubtedly have significant implications for Guyana’s political landscape, particularly as the newly elected parliament prepares to convene. Observers will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding Mohamed’s extradition and its potential impact on the opposition’s role moving forward.