Judge rules against GRA in Mohamed luxury vehicles case

-says post-clearance assessments not permitted, appeal to be filed

Justice Gino Persaud yesterday ruled in favour of Azruddin Mohamed that the GRA could not impose post-clearance taxes to the tune of $421m on a Lamborghini and two other vehicles in a case that also featured overtones of the ongoing extradition proceedings  initiated against the businessman by the United States.

Following the ruling, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) served notice that it disagreed with the judge’s ruling and will appeal.

“In light of the withdrawal of the criminal charges, the decision of Justice Gino Persaud in the civil proceedings is moot and now of academic importance only except that the Honourable Court did not address itself to the issue of fraud regarding submissions supported with evidence made by the Revenue Authority. The Honourable Court instead proceeded to make an extraordinary pronouncement to the effect that the Revenue Authority has no power to reassess taxes in the circumstances.