A female police inspector from Guyana's Special Organised Crime Unit has lodged a rape complaint naming Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy reported.
The inspector submitted her complaint to the Criminal Investigations Department on September 29. She alleges that Karimbaksh, who leads her unit, brandished a firearm during the assault. Should he be convicted of aggravated rape, sentencing could reach a minimum of 20 years, CGID stated.
This is not Karimbaksh's first allegation of misconduct. Two female officers previously brought sexual harassment complaints against him during his tenure as commander of the Guyana Police Training School, CGID reported. An inquiry overseen by Deputy Commissioner Simon McBean upheld both complaints and determined that Karimbaksh should stand trial within the department. McBean's findings indicated sufficient evidence existed to support criminal prosecution, yet the Police Force declined to pursue charges, citing concerns about protecting the complainants and the institution's reputation, according to CGID.
CGID asserts that President Irfaan Ali overlooked these earlier allegations following the People's Progressive Party's return to power in 2020. Karimbaksh subsequently received promotions to Assistant Commissioner and then Deputy Commissioner.
The advocacy group has urged President Ali to remove Karimbaksh from active duty while the current investigation proceeds. As of now, the Guyana Police Force has made no public statement, and Karimbaksh remains uncharged.
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