The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) filed criminal charges related to tax evasion against publisher and owner of the Kaieteur News Mohan ‘Glenn’ Lall almost two weeks ago and up to press time last evening the businessman was still to be served a summons or formally told of the proceedings.
Contacted for a second day in a row, Lall maintained that he is yet to be told of the charges. He said that he is unaware of what the GRA is doing in relation to the charges.
Stabroek News has been reliably informed that the GRA filed a total of eight charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on September 25 and listed Lall, his wife Bhena Lall and remigrants Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan as the defendants.
This newspaper was unable to ascertain the exact charges but was informed that most if not all are related to tax evasion.
It is being alleged that Lall colluded with the Brijnanans in the importation of two luxury vehicles for his own use and in the process evaded paying millions in importation taxes. The two vehicles, which were reportedly being used by Lall and his wife, have since been impounded by the GRA.
The matter is down for a first calling before the court on October 13 (Monday), according to the information out of the courts.
Stabroek News yesterday again attempted to make contact with GRA head Khurshid Sattaur but was unsuccessful.
Efforts to get the relevant information from GRA as it pertains to the Lalls and the pending charges were also futile.
This newspaper was told that Sattaur is the only authorised person to give out the information requested.
This newspaper was nonetheless advised to check with the court for the information being requested.
On Monday, Lall said that he was shocked to read in the Guyana Chronicle and the Guyana Times newspapers that he has been charged with tax evasion.
He expressed concern that the information would be published in the two daily newspapers without him being first notified.
In an invited comment on the media reports, the businessman professed his innocence and insisted that there is no evidence to support any wrongdoing.
