Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus has filed a legal challenge against the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Police, and others, citing victimisation in connection with an ongoing Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation. Brutus claims he has been unfairly targeted and denied access to services, including the restriction of his bank accounts.
In court filings, Brutus alleges that the Cabinet played a role in his forced leave and recounts being threatened with a wanted bulletin if he failed to appear at SOCU, which is leading the investigation.
The affidavit also accuses senior government officials of interfering in the investigation, further destabilising the Guyana Police Force (GPF).Brutus is seeking multiple declarations from the court, including one that the acting Commissioner of Police acted beyond his authority on 4th July by transferring him from his position as Deputy Commissioner due to alleged political directives. Additionally, Brutus is challenging the Cabinet’s actions on 11th July, when it allegedly directed the acting Commissioner, Clifton Hicken, to send him on annual leave over allegations of financial crimes. Brutus argues that the principles of natural justice were violated, as he was not given a fair opportunity to defend himself.
He also seeks a declaration that the Minister of Home Affairs overstepped his authority by instructing the acting Commissioner to place him on leave as of 22nd August 2024.Further claims include that the Police Service Commission acted unlawfully by sending a letter to the acting Commissioner on 29th August, stating that Brutus had been placed on leave.
Brutus also asserts that SOCU’s investigation has been tainted by unlawful actions, including prematurely freezing his bank accounts, manipulating evidence, and intimidating witnesses, while information was leaked to the media.Brutus contends that the investigation is biased and irreparably compromised due to the extensive media coverage that has prejudiced public opinion. He is seeking court orders based on the various declarations sought.
The court documents reveal that Brutus was informed by the acting Commissioner on 4th July that his transfer from Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ to Head of the Special Branch was to allow Assistant Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram to gain experience in police administration. Brutus’s legal filing also highlights political interference during a court hearing before Justice Nicole Pierre on 21st August, where the Attorney General threatened to issue a wanted bulletin if Brutus failed to report to SOCU.
Further, at a court hearing on 19th September, the Attorney General allegedly stated that SOCU would expand the investigation to scrutinise witnesses who provided statements on Brutus’s behalf, evidencing monetary gifts. The application argues that the government has obstructed Brutus’s access to lawful services, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
It also contends that the investigation and allegations are aimed at preventing Brutus from advancing within the GPF.SOCU has reportedly frozen Brutus’s accounts without serving any order, with Brutus only becoming aware when he attempted a wire transfer.
His legal team includes attorneys Earl Daniels, Yuborn Allicock, and Domnick Bess. Brutus has been under investigation for alleged money laundering, stemming from large deposits into in excess of $40M, his accounts, which he claims were wedding gifts from November 2023, as well as Christmas gifts and work-related incentives.
