Father and Son Discharged in Money Laundering Case

In a significant legal development, Magistrate Rhondel Weaver upheld a no-case submission today, resulting in the discharge of a father and son implicated in a high-profile money laundering case.

Kenneth Kellawan Ramnarine, a taxi driver, his son Damian Brandon Ramnarine, a salesman, and Kenneth’s reputed wife Yevette Nalini Saroop, a businesswoman, were arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on February 8, 2023, while attempting to flee to the United States of America.

The decision came during a Pre-Trial Inquiry (PI) conducted via paper committal in connection with CJ 621/622 of 2023.

The family, who reside at Somerset Court, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, faced a staggering 268 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money, amounting to over $4.1 billion.

While Kenneth Kellawan Ramnarine and Yevette Nalini Saroop were remanded to prison after appearing before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Damian Brandon Ramnarine was represented by attorney Bernard DaSilva. He surrendered to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) on February 9, 2023, and was subsequently remanded upon appearing in court.

Reports from SOCU indicate that the family had engaged in numerous suspicious transactions at several financial institutions in Guyana, raising suspicions of involvement in money laundering activities.

Investigations revealed a substantial number of cash deposits made through Kenneth’s business accounts at Ken’s Trading Enterprise, allegedly originating from sales of biodegradable food boxes to local businesses, particularly Chinese restaurants.

SOCU officials had disclosed then, that over $3.7 billion was wire-transferred to 22 companies in China under the guise of importing raw materials for biodegradable products.

Additionally, sums exceeding $4.1 billion were purportedly disguised locally. Despite extensive investigations and covert operations conducted over three years, the accused’s source of funds remained unsubstantiated.