US authorities say they have evidence that money launderer Sabrina Budhram transferred at least US$10,000 to two women related to accused drug trafficker Roger Khan.
New York District Attorney Benton Campbell, in a letter to Khan’s lawyer John Bergendahl, has said that in addition to a hand written drug and money laundering ledger seized from Budhram’s home, authorities also found financial records for Celine Harripersaud and Ashley Khan, both of whom are related to Khan.
Among the records is a funds transfer request showing that on October, 25, 2005 Budhram sent US$10,000 to the two women. Bank records indicated that in 2001, a company associated with the Budhrams transferred money to a bank account in the name of Khan’s wife and child and it appeared that Khan was in direct contact with the Budhrams in early 2003. Toll records indicate that someone at Budhram’s residence spoke to Khan or his representative between February 25, 2003 and March 2, 2003. “These contacts suggest that Budhram laundered money for Khan,” Campbell said.
Budhram and her husband Arnold have pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in New York and are currently awaiting sentencing. Campbell said the government believes the couple laundered money for Guyanese drug traffickers, including Khan. Bergendahl also represents Khan, who is facing drug trafficking charges in the US.
In his letter, dated October 14, 2008, Campbell advised that several individuals who may testify at Khan’s trial have knowledge, either directly or from co-conspirators, of Budhram’s activities.
The prosecution may also introduce evidence that Budhram laundered money for others involved in drug trafficking who are expected to testify against Khan. Campbell said that in order to corroborate testimony by prosecution witnesses they may introduce the money ledger and other documents seized from the couple’s home to show that Sabrina was in fact involved in money laundering.
A hearing was expected to be held last Friday to determine whether Bergendahl’s representing both Khan and Budhram is a conflict of interest. Campbell told Bergendahl that his clients would be in the best position to advise him of any potential conflict of interest and he noted that they would also have the right to waive it.
As part of their plea agreement, the Budhrams forfeited over US$400,000. The Budhrams were arrested and charged with money laundering on April 6, 2004 and investigators searched their home and offices and gathered a large amount of evidence. They were granted US$5 million bail each on the charges and were subsequently released under electronic monitoring and they were not allowed to leave their home without permission, except to go to work.
Arnold Budhram, a bank vice-president and his wife Sabrina, a radiology technician, used a company they had set up and their connections to launder money for drug traffickers operating in Guyana. Sabrina Budhram is the sister of Peter Morgan, who is now facing drug charges in New York, after he was extradited from Trinidad. Records showed that in at least one case the couple transferred funds in his name.
The plot thickens. I think the time soon comes when lots of names will begin to be implicated in this whole sordid business!!
This is just to show that khan had connections and had his people working for him to laundry his dirty money, the budram’s should do their jail time and stop asking for leniency, they should have known better, you did the crime now do the time it’s that simple.
Wonderful!!! I guess that fact that the Budhrams had somewhat “legitimate” work they may have a smidgeon of decency & shame left & would therefore not want to feel the full force of the US anti drug & money laundering laws. This therefore means they will be “singing like yellow plantains on a cool morning after a hearty breakfast” I hope they call ALL those implicated & for whom they may have laundered monies & made deposits. I foresee quite a few more embattled businessmen. I also foresee linkages that get closer to the powers that be.
I like the upcoming episodes of this soap opera.
i could see u on yuh knees prayin for one of the big powers in dis….hold on…u might have to remain on yuh knees fuh a long time if the name that comes up is not to your liking……keep praying….
Alot of big fishes in high society are involved in this nefarious activities that are creating junkies worldwide that causes havoc on society
Its only a matter of time before some prominent bodies are found without heads in the gutters of GT–its a dirty business
AS the cookie crumbles
Put them away,where they belong!!!
I see we are being very un democratic here,why are my views not being posted?hmmm ……….fishy!!!
well stabroek news I will no longer be part of this forum if your bias persist,you need not agree with my views but if you respect your own core values you will respect mine,you need to stop editing and discarding my postings when you disagree.where is the democracy you accuse the regime of lacking?
agreed:::lots of people here does say whatever comes to mind and attack others but when a response is posted…bang it gets axed….but dont give up yet….just term your comments another way…..good luck Mav..
ARNOLD BUDHRAM AND HIS PARTNER IN CRIME MUST GET THE MAXIMUM PENALTY!! THEY ARE A DISGRACE TO GUYANESE !! SABRINA IS not a dunce!! SHE AND HER VP HUSBAND KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE INVOLVED IN!!
It is a shame that people in guyana are working class at sunset and by sunrise they have money more than GOD and the gov does not seem to care. that is why this and other crimes will contunie to plage guyana.