Police probing reported abduction of two Guyanese men by Venezuelan gang

Police in Region Seven are investigating the alleged abduction of two Guyanese men by a Venezuelan syndicato gang operating near the Eteringbang area.

According to reports, 66-year-old boat captain Fredrick Pollard of Second Avenue, Bartica, was last heard from on August 24, 2025, when he contacted his son, Dameon Williams, a 41-year-old boat builder of River’s View, Essequibo River. Pollard reportedly said he was leaving Ekereku Backdam for Devil Hole Landing with a porter on board.

Williams told police that he has not heard from his father since that call. On August 25, he said he received a call from an unknown person claiming Pollard had been held against his will by members of a Venezuelan syndicato gang near Botanamu Creek.

Investigators later interviewed Collin Mathews, a 36-year-old boat captain from San Martin, Venezuela, who reported that while transporting nine passengers near Black Water Mouth on the Venezuelan shore, he was intercepted by armed gang members. Mathews stated that he and his passengers were held at gunpoint and observed Pollard and another man alive in the same creek. He added that the gang took fuel from his boat before releasing them.

Police also interviewed the nine passengers, who confirmed Mathews’ account. Written statements were taken from all parties.

Police said the matter remains under active investigation.