SXMElections.com

GUYANA--The re-migrant couple in whose names the two Lexus vehicles, now at the centre of an alleged US $40 million tax fraud, were imported is maintaining that there was no breach of the tax laws of Guyana.

A family member told the media during an interview that the couple retired and returned to Guyana to live with their son. Their son is the Customs officer, who reportedly prevented Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) enforcement officers from taking possession of the vehicles on Friday night, August 29.

He and his parents are close friends with Kaieteur News' Publisher, Glen Lall, who allegedly drives the vehicles.

When the media visited the Continental Park, East Bank Demerara residence on the weekend to talk to the couple, they made it clear that the vehicles were in their possession as they live with their son, but pointed out that family members along with the Lalls are close friends and would from time to time use the vehicles.

"What wrong have we committed? We haven't sold the vehicles. We haven't cheated GRA of any revenue," they lamented to the media, denying that any skullduggery had taken place.

They pointed out that the vehicles were at the registered address and accused the GRA of wanting to take possession of the vehicles unlawfully.

It is understood that the vehicles became the centre of attraction of the GRA after the Kaieteur News carried a story accusing Attorney General Anil Nandlall's official vehicle of being used to film and monitor its offices on Saffon Street, La Penitence.

Both Nandlall and GRA Commissioner General Khursid Sattaur have been accused of pursuing a personal vendetta against Lall.

When contacted by the media, Nandlall denied such claims.

"This incident has nothing to do with me, this investigation was initiated months before my incident with Kaieteur News," he said.

It is also understood that Minister Nandlall's wife, who works with the GRA, drives his duty free vehicles. When asked about this, the AG said, "I have two vehicles from which I benefited from duty free concessions and their time has long expired...I am saying again this has nothing to do with me and if anyone feels I acted wrongfully then have me investigated," adding that "the comparison is outrageous, that is my wife, whatever I own, she owns. I don't know that Glen Lall is married to any of the re-migrants."

The publisher of Kaieteur News is reportedly out of Guyana and was not using the vehicle at the time it was impounded by GRA for investigations.

The traumatized couple is reportedly seeking legal advice and is demanding justice and fair play, stating that there vehicles were legally imported and processed through the relevant authorities and that all conditions were adhered to.

"We don't want to be victimized because of personal problems between Glenn Lall and Anil Nandlall. We are asking that our vehicles be returned. We are lawful citizens and not part of any neither personal nor political games," the couple pointed out.

The Customs Act says that only if sold, leased or transferred, within the three years (in this case), then GRA can take possessions of the vehicles.

The couple said none of these breaches took place and as believe that GRA's intervention is indeed personal. They said they have adhered to all conditions under the concession.

There was a standoff on Friday night, August 29, when GRA officers attempted to seize the vehicles. However, several hours later, the vehicles were handed over to GRA officers by the son of the couple. ~ INews Guyana ~