GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) says it will appeal a magistrate’s court ruling dismissing money laundering charges against a Chinese national.
On March 31, Magistrate Annette Singh upheld a no-case submission in the matters against Ying Xin Su and dismissed the money laundering charges.
The prosecution had alleged that on July 9, 2024, during a search conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at rooms occupied by the defendant at the Princess Ramada International Hotel, they discovered approximately GUY$52 million (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cent) together with substantial sums in foreign currency and documents relating to her properties.
SOCU said that during the trial, the prosecution attempted to tender several pieces of material evidence, including a Financial Analyst Report, a video-audio recorded interview with the defendant, and other documentary evidence considered critical to proving the prosecution’s case.
However, the magistrate refused to admit “these critical exhibits which ought to have been properly admitted” under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.
“SOCU contended at the time that there was no legal basis for the magistrate to exclude any of this evidence which materially affected the state’s ability to prove its full case before the Court.”
The statement said that during the trial, the magistrate ordered the prosecution to close its case prematurely, notwithstanding that three available witnesses with material evidence yet to be led were present in court.
“SOCU is of the view that the magistrate erred in law and was unreasonable, among other things, and the decision of the court could not be supported, having regard to the evidence that was being led and the prevailing circumstances at the time.
“SOCU is currently taking steps to appeal the decision of the court and is of the view that there is a realistic prospect of success on appeal,” it said, adding “further, civil asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in relation to the cash, vehicles, and properties are being pursued”.
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