Guyana’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has charged a police sergeant and constable affiliated with the Brickdam Police Station with extortion. Sergeant Imman Wilson and Detective Police Constable Akeimo Simon are accused of demanding money with menace to steal, and conspiracy to commit a felony. The charges surfaced following a complaint by a civil engineer employed by the Ministry of Public Works, who alleged that one of the officers demanded money from him in relation to an ongoing investigation.
The head of SOCU took action by collecting CCTV footage that substantiated the engineer’s complaint. Thereafter, an investigation was launched, which revealed that the individuals who identified themselves as SOCU officers to the engineer were, in fact, Wilson and Simon from the Brickdam Police Station. This confirmation initiated additional investigation procedures.
The investigation found that on 9th March, 2024, under the pretense of being officers from the Special Organised Crime Unit, Constable Simon and Sergeant Wilson visited the engineer at his residence. Simon, carrying a file bearing the official Police Crest and the word “SOCU” on the cover, informed the engineer that he was under investigation for money laundering. He further said that the engineer was needed at SOCU for further inquiry.
The officers, during the interaction, demanded GYD$1 million from the engineer. The engineer reportedly paid 10 percent of the demanded amount, GYD$100,000, to Simon. The incident led to the two officers being brought before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charges laid against them.
Despite the evidence against them, both Wilson and Simon pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted them bail at GYD$75,000 each. While the case showcases the rigorous internal oversight within Guyana’s police forces, it also raises questions about corruption.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest crime news and updates directly to your inbox. [newsletter]
14 Comments
Should they face harsher punishment for abusing their power? Lets discuss.
Absolutely, they should face severe consequences for betraying the trust of the people they are supposed to serve. Abuse of power cannot go unpunished. Lets hold them accountable and demand justice.
Do you think corruption is deeply rooted in law enforcement worldwide?
Do you think this plot was an isolated incident or part of a larger issue?
This plot is just the tip of the iceberg. Theres definitely a larger issue at play here. Its naive to think otherwise. Keep digging, youll see the connections. Dont be fooled by the surface, the truth runs deep.
Do you think this is just the tip of the iceberg? Corruption runs deep.
Absolutely, corruption is like an iceberg – what we see is just the tip. Its systemic and pervasive. We need to dig deeper and hold those responsible accountable. Its time to uncover the whole iceberg and dismantle the corrupt structures once and for all.
Do you think the charges are justified or too harsh? Lets discuss!
I believe the charges are completely justified. Its important to hold individuals accountable for their actions. Lets not excuse wrongdoing just for the sake of leniency. Justice must prevail, no matter how harsh it may seem.
Do you think this is just the tip of the iceberg? Corruption runs deep.
Should these officers be held to a higher standard? Lets discuss!
Absolutely, law enforcement officers should be held to the highest standards given the power and responsibilities they hold. Their actions impact the community and trust in the justice system. Accountability is essential for maintaining integrity and ensuring justice for all.
Do you think the punishment is fair? Corruption runs deep!
Are these charges justified or just a distraction from larger issues?