Rajesh Seegobin, the businessman who was last year charged with underreporting cash at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri led his defence yesterday at a city court and told of his encounter with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) .
Seegobin, the owner of a tyre business located at his 19 Public Road, Prospect, East Bank Demerara residence, was last April charged with knowingly making a false declaration of cash, stating that he had in his possession £30,300 when he allegedly had £32,300.
Taking the stand yesterday, the accused recalled the series of events that occurred on March 17, 2015, which later led to him being charged.
He said he and his wife were at the immigration section of CJIA en route to London when he was directed to Customs to declare his money. To get to Customs, he said, he had to leave the airport and walk around the building. When he got there, he met a Customs officer who helped him fill the form out, then proceeded to count the money. The money, he said, amounted to £30,300.
Seegobin related that the officer asked him to write the figure on the form and attach his signature, which he did, following which the money was handed back to him and he placed it in his pocket.
The defendant said he returned to the departure lounge where he met his wife, who had been carrying a black handbag. He took the money he had placed in his pocket and threw it in the bag before the two proceeded to immigration.
At immigration, Seegobin said, he relieved himself of his shoes, belt and other items and placed the black handbag on the scanner. He said he was approached by a security guard who enquired what was in the bag and it was opened, revealing the money.
The man said soon after, they were approached by two men who said they were from a special organisation called “SOCU,” and were investigating money laundering. They then asked where he had gotten all the money and he related that he had taken a loan from Scotia Bank and had a receipt and documents to support the transaction.
Seegobin said the men gave him two options: to leave the money and go on the flight, or stay back with the money. The defendant said he told the men that he could not go and leave the money as he was traveling on business.
After being put on a bench to sit for about four hours, Seegobin said, three men came to him and questioned him about his business and took a statement. He was then told he had to surrender the money.
The accused stated that after they counted the cash, it amounted to £32,300 and he explained to them that the extra £2,000 did not belong to him, but was his wife’s, for the purpose of purchasing a present.
The businessman, who is being represented by attorney Glen Hanoman, will return to court on February 1, for cross-examination.
