US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed is at the center of a major customs fraud and tax evasion scandal after being formally charged over the alleged fraudulent undervaluation of a luxury Lamborghini Aventador, resulting in the evasion of more than $383 million in taxes.

Alleged Fraudulent Undervaluation

The case stems from Mohamed’s importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster in December 2020. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mohamed declared the vehicle’s value at just US$75,300, based on an October 2020 estimate. However, newly submitted evidence from the US Department of Justice, obtained through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), reveals the car’s actual purchase price was a staggering US$695,000-a discrepancy of over US$600,000.

GRA attorneys argue that this was not a clerical error but a deliberate misrepresentation designed to evade the substantial customs duties associated with such a high-value vehicle. The charge has been laid under Section 218(e) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, which addresses fraudulent evasion of customs duties.

New Evidence and International Cooperation

The prosecution’s case was bolstered by a supplemental affidavit filed in the High Court, containing 78 pages of correspondence between the US Department of Justice, the Guyana Government, and the GRA. The original invoice for the Lamborghini, billed directly to Mohamed, is at the heart of the evidence and directly contradicts his sworn declaration to the court.

Further, financial records from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) show Mohamed transferred a total of US$622,000 to International Speed Consulting Inc. in Texas over three days in October 2020-closely matching the vehicle’s true purchase price. Despite this, the customs declaration submitted in Guyana listed the car’s value at only US$75,300.

Potential Perjury and Wider Crackdown

In addition to customs fraud and tax evasion, the GRA has indicated that Mohamed could face perjury charges for making a false declaration under oath. Officials emphasize that the undervaluation was a deliberate attempt to defraud the state and is part of a broader crackdown on luxury vehicle tax evasion in Guyana.

The GRA’s campaign, launched in late 2024, targets importers who have made false declarations about the value and specifications of high-end vehicles, resulting in hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Mohamed appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer the charges and recently secured a judgment in the Appeal Court that temporarily prevents the GRA from seizing his luxury vehicles until the case is resolved. The matter is scheduled for further hearings in the coming weeks, with the court expected to weigh the new evidence and determine the full extent of legal consequences.

Authorities have indicated that more information from US agencies is expected, including additional business records, as the investigation continues.

This case marks one of the most high-profile tax fraud prosecutions in recent Guyanese history, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and enforcing customs regulations, especially against individuals under international sanctions.