Construction worker jailed, contractor remanded for stealing $400M in raw gold

A construction worker and a contractor were on Monday slapped with a simple larceny charge for allegedly stealing $400 million worth of raw gold from a businesswoman who hired them to carry out repairs on her house.

49-year-old Bhaloonauth Seegobin, called ‘Krishna’ from Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and 24-year-old Satrohan Seegobin, called ‘Richie,’ were jointly charged on Tuesday.

The duo was hauled before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Cove & John Magistrate’s Court, and the younger Seegobin pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years behind bars.

On the other hand, the older Seegobin pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until November 01, 2022. The matter was transferred to the Mahaica Magistrate Court.

According to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), the businesswoman accumulated the raw gold over the years and concealed them at a location within the confines of her home.

The victim hired the accused to conduct repairs to her home, and while carrying out the works, they found the gold and allegedly divided it among themselves.

They then went on a spending spree, according to the CCU. It was also noted that five motor vehicles, $6 million in cash, and a quantity of raw gold were recovered. The investigation is still ongoing.