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FM
Former Member

Duty free concessions…GRA fails to monitor remigrant

October 25, 2014 | By | Filed Under News 
 

…allows AG’s uncle to dodge taxes

 

There are strong indications that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) failed to carry required

Remigrant, Kamal Mangal with the SUV

Remigrant, Kamal Mangal with the SUV

audit checks, to ensure compliance on a remigrant who is at the centre of questions over a multi-million-dollar duty free concession he was granted.
Under regulations of the tax collection agency, persons who qualify to become a remigrant and have been granted duty free concessions on vehicles, are required to check with GRA every six months and must continue for three years.
The remigrant is mandated to take in the vehicle, as well as his/her passport.
The passport is required as it shows whether the remigrant has been living in Guyana.
In the case of the Kamal Mangal, a remigrant who brought in a Mercedes Benz AMG sports utility vehicle (SUV), records indicate that he never spent more than a few days at a time when he visits Guyana.
It has been almost 24 months since the vehicle was registered on November 2, 2012. Mangal has spent a total of four months in Guyana and 20 overseas.
Mangal’s case raises questions why GRA’s special unit, tasked with monitoring remigrants, allowed the man to slip below the radar.
Mangal himself said that since bringing in the vehicle, he has never been contacted by GRA on any problems.
Had he been taking his passport as required, GRA’s verification unit would have immediately discovered that he was in breach of the conditions under which the vehicle was granted.
Mangal’s case surfaced over a week ago when a newspaper article disclosed that he was the uncle of Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and that he had used Nandlall’s Prashad Nagar address when he applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to become a remigrant.
The Minister later said that Mangal stayed with him for while.
The remigrant, during an interview with Kaieteur News this week, said he stayed with Nandlall, with whom he also had a close business relationship.
At the time, Mangal was building an apartment building on Delhi Street, also located in Prashad Nagar.
In 2012, based on an approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which granted Mangal remigrant status, GRA issued a tax exemption letter which clearly stated that he was approved for a remission of Customs Duty and zero rating of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the Mercedes Benz SUV.
Mangal was also told in that tax exemption approval by GRA that he is not allowed to sell or lease the vehicle within three years of registration.
More importantly, Mangal was told to take his vehicle’s registration, licence, fitness and insurance for inspection to GRA every six months from the date of registration.
Under GRA policies, the remigrant had to also take in his passport where a verification unit would check to ensure that he is indeed living in Guyana.
Under the regulations, if GRA finds that the remigrant spent more time abroad than in Guyana, the agency is required to write the Foreign Affairs Ministry to revoke the remigrant status.
Once the status is revoked, taxes are calculated and become immediately payable.
There are no indications that GRA did anything in the case of Mangal who, according to records, was not even in Guyana in November 2012 when the vehicle was registered.
The remigrant, who said he lived in the US for over 30 years and still has business holdings there, was required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to swear to a Statutory Declaration that he was returning home to live for at least three years, failing which all exemptions granted become immediately payable.
The spotlight has been drawn to the remigrant scheme following revelations that state auditors have been investigating a fraud scheme in which vehicles were coming in and being sold illegally, robbing the state of millions in taxes.
There have been reports that the remigrant scheme, especially with vehicles, and with the help of state officials, was being abused, with many applicants just coming for a short while and then returning overseas, breaching regulations.

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Remigrant who imported Mercedes Benz SUV says…‘I don’t know I have to live in Guyana’

October 23, 2014 | By | Filed Under News 
 

…spends more time out than in

 

Kamal Mangal, the uncle of Attorney General Anil Nandall, who became a remigrant almost two years ago, has said that he was not aware that he had to be living in Guyana to qualify as a remigrant.

Remigrant, Kamal Mangal with his Mercedes Benz SUV.

Remigrant, Kamal Mangal with his Mercedes Benz SUV.

 

He has also denied that he did anything wrong when he used the Attorney General’s home address to apply for remigrant status which allowed him to import a high-end Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and other personal items as a remigrant.
The vehicle, parked at a Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar apartment complex compound, is sometimes used by the caretaker, Mangal claimed.
Kamal Mangal, who told Kaieteur News that he was 60, (Mangal is actually 67) came into the spotlight last week after a report in Stabroek News which said that state investigators focused on Nandlall while it was investigating a duty free racket under the Remigrant Scheme.
Speaking with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, Mangal said he lived in the US for over 30 years and was originally from Black Bush Polder, Berbice. He flew in recently.
Mangal admitted that he has been coming regularly to Guyana, but after applying for remigrant status, he never spent more than one month in the country. On most occasions he spent a few days.
In Florida, where he has homes, he has been investing in apartments, renting them to tenants. In Maryland, he operates an auto body workshop.
Within the last few years, he has been visiting Guyana more regularly. As a matter of fact, said Mangal, he had partnered with Nandlall to purchase the South Road offices which eventually house the law firm offices of the Minister.
About two years ago, in August 2012, with intentions to come back to Guyana, Mangal said he applied to become a remigrant.
It was granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was granted permission by the Guyana Revenue Authority to have the necessary waivers on taxes.
On the application, Mangal said that he listed his address as the Minister’s residence at 55 Chandra Nagar Street, Prashad Nagar, as that was where he would stay when in Guyana. Mangal said that his Tax Identification Number (TIN) was registered at the time of application to Nandlall’s address.
Asked whether his family was also part of the application for remigrant status, Mangal said that his family still resides in Florida.
The businessman, making it clear that he has workers managing his apartment business in Prashad Nagar, said that the application had nothing to do with his wife…Rather, he was the remigrant. His family, who lives in Florida, is planning to visit the country later this year.
His business holdings overseas were the reason for him to be traveling so much.

The SUV parked in front of the Delhi Street Apt Building

The SUV parked in front of the Delhi Street Apt Building

The businessman was never contacted by GRA after he brought his Mercedes Benz AMG SUV. It was registered as PPP 9090 on November 2, 2012.
Mangal said he was shocked after that Stabroek News article as he did not believe that anything wrong was done.
He said he has been back four times this year, spending a few weeks at a time.
Under the country’s regulations for the Remigrant Scheme, the applicant has to sign a statutory declaration, filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he/she is coming to live in Guyana for no less than three years. The applicant has to be living overseas for more than five years to be eligible to be classified as a remigrant.
Once approved, the file is forwarded to GRA, where a letter is then issued that authorizes the foregoing of taxes. Under the regulations, the applicant is responsible for paying 10 and 30 percent taxes, depending on the engine size. Personal effects are totally free of taxes.
A remigrant is required to keep the vehicles for three years, or face penalties of having to pay the prorated taxes.
The applicant, once approved, is required to visit the offices of GRA every six months, with the vehicle, its registration and as well as the passport.
GRA is supposed to examine the remigrant’s passport to determine how many times he/she would have travelled abroad and whether they spent more time out of Guyana, than in.
If it is found that the remigrant spent more time overseas than in Guyana, then GRA is required to write the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recommending that the remigrant status be revoked. This means that the remigrant will have to pay the required taxes.
Last week, the Attorney General told Kaieteur News that Mangal owned 15 apartment complexes overseas and has invested heavily in Guyana.
The SUV was parked outside the apartment building that Mangal says he owns, on Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar.
Nandlall reportedly said that he is unsure why his home address was listed on the paperwork. He admitted that Mangal stayed with him several times in 2012 when application was made for the vehicle.
The spotlight has been drawn to the remigrant scheme following revelations that state auditors have been investigating a fraud scheme in which vehicles were coming in and being sold illegally, robbing the state of millions in taxes.

FM

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

Django
Last edited by Django
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

 

Does this mean the remigrant must not leave Guyana for three years for any period of time?

FM
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

 

Does this mean the remigrant must not leave Guyana for three years for any period of time?

It says "remain". Which part of that word don't you understand?

Mr.T
Originally Posted by Mr.T:
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

 

Does this mean the remigrant must not leave Guyana for three years for any period of time?

It says "remain". Which part of that word don't you understand?

So the man cannot attend a funeral for his relative overseas? The man cannot visit a neighbouring country on vacation? I doubt that.

FM
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Mr.T:
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

 

Does this mean the remigrant must not leave Guyana for three years for any period of time?

It says "remain". Which part of that word don't you understand?

So the man cannot attend a funeral for his relative overseas? The man cannot visit a neighbouring country on vacation? I doubt that.

Judging by his travelling arrangements, it is more likely that he attends  funerals for relatives in Guyana, and visits Guyana on holidays.

Mr.T
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

Typo,Apparently this gentleman did not follow the guideline

Django
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Mr.T:
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by Django:

A remigrant is a Guyanese citizen born at home or abroad, or a Guyanese citizen by naturalization, who is in possession of a valid Guyana passport and who has been granted remigrant’s status by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the understanding that the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

http://www.guyana.org/govt/remigrant_manual.html#3

 

Apparently this gentleman did follow the guideline.

the remigrant will remain in Guyana for not less than three years.

 

Does this mean the remigrant must not leave Guyana for three years for any period of time?

It says "remain". Which part of that word don't you understand?

So the man cannot attend a funeral for his relative overseas? The man cannot visit a neighbouring country on vacation? I doubt that.

Skelly..remain means you must live there,the gray area

does not say how long per year,it is assumed you intend

to live in Guyana for three years to qualify for remigrant

benefits.

Django

It has been almost 24 months since the vehicle was registered on November 2, 2012. Mangal has spent a total of four months in Guyana and 20 overseas.

 

It would appear as if Nandalall uncle lives outside and just visit Guyana as a tourist.

FM

Sattaur fails to act against corrupt officers

October 26, 2014 | By | Filed Under News
 

Despite glaring evidence of corruption, the Guyana Revenue Authority appears to be deliberately shielding two

Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Customs Officers who according to reports are favoured by those at the very top of the organization’s administration.
The officers, who were found to be guilty of colluding with a local businessman to defraud the state of taxes, remain on the job and there is no indication that action will be taken against them soon.
This situation flies in the face of Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, who has been openly boasting that as Head of the GRA, he runs a tight ship and will not tolerate corruption by his officers.
But reliable sources have told this newspaper that the officers fingered in the scam are enjoying the protection of the GRA Commissioner General, who for some strange reason played no part in ordering the probe, although he was fully aware of the scam.
In fact, it was left up to Sattaur’s Deputy, Clement Sealey, to initiate action that led to the investigation that exposed the corrupt officers.
The two Customs Officers are accused of facilitating the removal of a quantity of goods from the Laparkan Trading Co. Ltd. Customs Bond located at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri without the payment of applicable customs duty and taxes to the GRA.
An investigation found that the officers accepted a sum of money to allow the businessman to evade taxes.
Claims of Sattaur protecting the officers have not surprised many at the Guyana Revenue Authority.
According to a source, the fact that Sattaur employs his children and close relatives at the GRA, has compromised the professionalism of the tax collection agency.
This stance against the two Customs Officers has angered several senior officials attached to the GRA, who have been observing Sattaur’s double standards as it relates to his public position on tax evasion in Guyana, while protecting his own officers found to be engaged in illegal tax evasion.
Following a report by one of the disgruntled officers, who was on duty at the CJIA when the scam occurred and who was left out of the deal, an investigation was launched by GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID).
During the course of the investigations, the two officers implicated, Phil Surooj and Gordon Richards, both conceded by way of statements to LEID ranks that they facilitated the release of goods unlawfully with no duties being paid.
A bribe of $80,000 is said to be the inducement for the Customs Officers to release the items consigned to a Robb Street business.
When interviewed on July 1, Surooj reportedly told LEID Officers that, during April 2014, he examined and released goods at Amerijet and Laparkan Bonds at the CJIA.
He said that while on duty at Amerijet Bond, he was approached by a Customs Broker, who solicited his help on behalf of Customs Officer Richards and who gave him an Airways Bill consigned to the Robb Street Company, along with $80,000.
According to Surooj, he observed that the cargo listed on the Airways Bill, consigned to the company was plastic trays and he and Kissoon proceeded to Laparkan Bond at CJIA, where they met the Bond Supervisor.
He told investigators that he accompanied the Bond Supervisor and the Customs Broker into the bond, where he observed 12 boxes of old goods but did not examine the goods; neither did he see any Customs documents.
According to Surooj, he then instructed the release of the said goods without the payment of the Customs duty and taxes to GRA and also instructed that the goods be released to the Broker, for which he collected a bribe of $80,000.
Richards in his statement, confessed that on April 9, he met a Customs Broker, who gave him $80,000 wrapped in an Airways bill and indicated that it was to pay his taxes for goods stored in the Laparkan Bond at the CJIA.
Richards said he took the money with the intent of working at Laparkan Bond that day but there was a change of plans and he was instead detailed to work as a cashier for that day.
He said that as the cashier, he was in no position to assist the Broker, so he met with his Assistant and gave him the parcel with the money that he had received the previous day.
The parcel was subsequently returned to the Broker, Richards said.
Richards further stated that he indicated that he was aware that Officer Surooj was on duty at Laparkan and Amerijet Bonds, therefore he contacted him via telephone and requested that he assist the Broker.
When Surooj agreed to help, Richards made arrangements for him to receive the money from the Broker which was done through his assistant.
From the statements given by the two officers, it is clear that they were involved in a transaction that was designed to defraud the state.
It is also believed that they are part of an ongoing scheme that involves the waiving of customs fees for imported good once the price is right.
The subsequent report which was based on the investigations done was reviewed by Wesley Duke, Assistant Commissioner, LEID and Karen Chapman, Deputy Commissioner at GRA who both signed off on the report on September 30 last.
Clement Sealy, the Deputy Commissioner recommended the report and signed off on October 2.
However, although the report was to be approved by Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, this was not done and it was left up to Sealey to do so on his behalf.
While there has been a recommendation that charges be pursued against all three of the individuals involved, this is yet to be done.

FM

Corruptions and bribery seems to be the order of the day with GRA re

 

A bribe of $80,000 is said to be the inducement for the Customs Officers to release the items consigned to a Robb Street business.

FM
Originally Posted by cain:

This  is some serious shyte goin on , ooo lala


I would not be surpresed if all these Corruptiions are being hatched in the Office of the President. He seems to be without a clue to Corruptions going on in his Government, sometimes I think that he is a part and parcel of these corruptions, because he does nothing to rid Guyana of this plague.

FM

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