Guyana: 221 Vouchers Highlighted in Calvin Brutus Trial

The financial misconduct trial of former Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus began on Monday, with prosecutors presenting evidence they claim connects the Guyana Police Force’s procurement system to businesses owned by Brutus’ wife. The case, overseen by acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, revolves around 221 payment vouchers that prosecutors allege Brutus requested while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police for Administration. According to the prosecution, these documents were not returned to the Police Finance Office.

Brutus has denied any wrongdoing. On the first day of the trial, Special Organised Crime Unit prosecutor Darin Chan provided evidence regarding two businesses owned by Brutus’ wife, Adonika Aulder: Triple A Depot and South Quata Contracting and General Supplies Inc. The court heard that both companies engaged in transactions with the police force during Brutus’ tenure as acting Deputy Commissioner for Administration.

Senior Superintendent Bharat Persaud, the Finance Officer for the police force, testified that significant payments to these companies were processed through the procurement and payment system during Brutus’ time in office. Persaud indicated that Brutus’ position was crucial in the approval chain for these transactions. He stated that shortly after assuming his role as Finance Officer in October 2021, he received a directive from Brutus outlining the procurement procedures of the force.

Persaud explained that purchases required approval from the Deputy Commissioner for Administration and that the Finance Office needed to confirm the necessary approvals before processing payments. He was also tasked with preparing weekly reports on processed vouchers. Requests originated from the Quartermaster Stores and underwent several checks before reaching the Finance Office.

Procurements valued between $250,000 and $1.5 million required approval from the Ministerial Tender Board, while contracts exceeding $1.5 million needed to be reviewed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. Submissions were expected to include various documentation, including quotations and compliance certificates.

Persaud noted that he checked for Brutus’ approval, typically indicated by the initials “CB,” before signing payment vouchers, which were then sent to Brutus for further approval. This procedure is central to the prosecution’s argument that Brutus misused his authority to benefit companies associated with his wife.

The prosecution also called Commercial Registry Clerk Lashawna Canzius, who confirmed Aulder’s ownership of the two businesses. Registrar General Raymon Cummings presented a certified copy of Brutus and Aulder’s marriage certificate to establish their relationship in court. SOCU investigator Sergeant Lerone Wilkinson testified about obtaining registration documents for the businesses.

Brutus faces one count of misconduct in public office and 221 counts of liability of an official, as part of a broader investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately $800 million from the police force. Prosecutors allege that Brutus directed Persaud to submit the 221 payment vouchers directly to him, which were reportedly not returned. The prosecution claims that Brutus diverted public funds for personal gain while serving in his official capacity.

Approximately $300 million has been linked to properties and assets owned by Brutus and his wife, with another $500 million frozen in bank accounts associated with them and their businesses. Brutus maintains that the funds in question are from personal savings and financial gifts. He is charged alongside Aulder and others in separate proceedings related to the investigation, which includes allegations of money laundering.

Brutus remains on bail exceeding $16 million and is required to surrender his passport and report to the police periodically. The trial is set to continue on October 8, 12, and 13, with further cross-examination of Persaud anticipated. Brutus, an attorney-at-law, was first charged in October 2024 and was dismissed from the GPF in February 2025 after over 25 years of service.

Source: hgptv.com