Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) Calvin Brutus was yesterday charged with 201 additional financial crimes, bringing the total number of charges against him to 231.
He was granted bail totaling $10.05 million during his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
Brutus arrived at the court accompanied by his legal team ahead of the 9:00 a.m. hearing. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over the session, during which the charges—filed by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)—were presented.
In an effort to save time, the charges were not read individually. Magistrate McGusty instead summarized that the new allegations pertain to “liability of an official”, a charge holding Brutus accountable for actions or inactions in his official capacity. Brutus is the first individual charged with this offence by SOCU.
The court was informed by prosecutor David Brathwaite that the charges are indictable, meaning Brutus cannot enter a plea until the commencement of a trial.
Brutus’ lawyer Yuborn Allicock reminded the court that his client was already on $6.2 million bail for 31 previous charges, which include misconduct in public office, obtaining money by false pretence, larceny, money laundering, and liability of an official.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, citing the significant sums involved and frozen bank accounts linked to Brutus and his wife, co-accused Adonika Aulder. After deliberation, the magistrate granted bail at $50,000 per new charge, totaling $10.05 million.
Brutus is scheduled to return to court on January 17, 2025, in relation to these new charges.
The hearing also addressed the cases of Aulder, Sergeant Kevin George, and businessman Asif Zafarally, who face related charges. The prosecution requested additional time to prepare statements, with a new court date set for December 18.
On that same date, Brutus will appear for a hearing related to the initial 31 charges filed against him. The charges stem from a SOCU investigation into alleged financial crimes involving hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the Guyana Police Force. SOCU acted following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Brutus has maintained his innocence. (Mia Anthony)
