The investigation into Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, conducted by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), has officially concluded with no evidence of any offence being committed. Documentation obtained by Stabroek News yesterday confirmed the closure, as signed by Assistant Commissioner and Head of SOCU Fazil Karimbaksh.
Efforts made yesterday to contact Brutus and Karimbaksh for comments proved unsuccessful.
The investigation focused on allegations of money laundering and other serious offences, but the findings did not substantiate any such claims. “Investigations were conducted which revealed that [no] case of money laundering nor any serious offence was established, as advised by the DPP. Hence this investigation is closed,” the statement read.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn publicly acknowledged the inquiry in July 2024, stating that Brutus had proceeded on leave to facilitate the investigation. He underscored the gravity of the allegations, stating that no promotions would be considered for Brutus while the inquiry was ongoing. “SOCU has already commenced its investigation and the government will be guided by the outcome of such investigation,” Benn said at the time.
The decision to have SOCU investigate a senior police officer had raised eyebrows. Critics argued that the involvement of SOCU in examining a high-ranking police official might create perceptions of bias and conflict of interest.
Brutus and his supporters had maintained that the claims were unfounded. Reports had circulated regarding various improprieties allegedly involving Brutus and other personnel within the police force. However, the police administration at Eve Leary dismissed them, attributing a recent rotation of personnel to factors unrelated to the investigation.
In a detailed statement given to investigators, Brutus had explained that he deposited $46.4 million on January 17, 2024, asserting that the funds were proceeds from his wedding on November 11, 2023, and Christmas gifts. His statement, dated May 14, 2024, painted a picture of a permissive culture within the police force and access to a variety of fringe benefits.
Brutus indicated that after his honeymoon, he sorted through his wedding gifts and prepared a declaration of the source of funds but could not deposit them due to a busy schedule. He added that during December 2023, he received various incentives, awards, stipends, and extra-duty payments from the police finance department, alongside personal gifts from friends. Consolidating his Christmas and wedding gifts, he recognised that it was a large sum, and decided to deposit it as a precaution.
On January 16, 2024, he prepared a declaration of the source of funds for the Christmas gifts, amounting to $8.48 million. The following day, he provided a teller at Demerara Bank Limited with declarations, copies of his wedding invitation and marriage certificate, along with cash and cheques totalling $46.4 million. The teller processed the deposit and provided him with a receipt. On May 14, 2024, Brutus reported being contacted by Assistant Superintendent Roopnarine who informed him of allegations of money laundering made by the Financial Intelligence Unit. He stated that he offered to have relatives and friends provide statements to support his declarations made during the deposit.
Brutus, a police officer for 25 years, pointed to the cultural phenomenon of gift-giving in Guyana. “During my tenure, I have developed many friendships with people of all walks of life… I have received many personal gifts before becoming a policeman and throughout my tenure,” he said.
He also outlined the benefits available to him in his position, stating that he resides in a government building, eliminating personal expenses on rent and utilities. In his current role, perks include a police vehicle and driver, a maid, security personnel, meals, medical benefits, a postpaid cellular plan, and allowances from various police-related entities. “Essentially, there is hardly any requirement for me to spend the money received as salary and emoluments; there it is saved in [my] Demerara Bank Account,” he said.
