Attorney General concerned: Aulder still abroad as $400M fraud case drags on

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has expressed concern over the manner in which the court case against the wife of dismissed Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus has been progressing.

The former policeman’s wife remains abroad, resulting in numerous adjournments in the multimillion-dollar fraud case against her.

Adonika Aulder, her husband, and others are charged in over 200 fraud cases involving public funds. She was granted permission by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty to seek medical attention in the United States last December, after a High Court Judge had initially refused the request.

Despite a return date being stipulated by the magistrate, Aulder remains out of the jurisdiction, causing further delays in the hearing.

Nandlall, during his Issues in the News programme on Tuesday, reminded the public that the case remains one of national importance.

“This matter is occupying national and regional attention. Guyana received an award for the investigations done in this matter. It got a best case award at the level of the CFATF …for the amount of work done, and the level and quality of work done.”

Now at the judicial level, the Attorney General noted that information provided to the court indicates the accused is awaiting a passport, several months after she likely received the urgent medical attention she sought.

“This again is a matter of national public importance. Hundreds of millions of dollars of public funds have allegedly been defrauded in these cases,” Nandlall stated.

He emphasised that while he is not being critical of the judiciary, it is within his role and the function of his office to address such important matters, which could impact public trust and confidence.

Aulder is facing charges of money laundering involving over $400 million deposited into accounts belonging to her business. She is accused, along with her husband, of trying to defraud the state using police vouchers.