No criminal charges against Asst Police Commissioner Brutus on first charge; SOCU awaits advice on recommended fees from “expansive” investigation

Last updated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 8:02 am by Denis Chabrol

Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus would not be charged for “certain activities” in which he was charged earlier this year, but the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) has recommended “dozens” of charges from a second investigation by the Guyana Police Force said on Wednesday.

“Earlier this year, SOCU initiated an investigation into certain activities of Deputy Commissioner Brutus and at the end of that investigation, on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, no criminal charges were recommended,” police said.

Mr Brutus took annual leave in July to enable an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety. A day before his vacation, Mr. Brutus had decided to remain silent on allegations that he allegedly deposited GY$16.5 million into his Police Credit Union account on December 15, 2023. The money was refunded to him the following day. Contributions before, during and after a wedding were reported as a source of money.

Police said on Wednesday that “a new and larger investigation” was subsequently carried out by the unit responsible for solving financial crimes, based on critical information received by SOCU from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

The police said the investigation was completed on October 1 and all relevant files were forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review, advice and further action.

“In light of this latter extensive investigation, SOCU recommended dozens of charges. SOCU is now awaiting legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” police said.

Police on Wednesday also dismissed a Stabroek News newspaper article headlined “SOCU investigation into Brutus finds no evidence of crime.”