The permanent secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency of Guyana has been arrested by police.

Omar Shariff was held by officers of the Special Organized Crime Unit over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.

Minister of State Joseph Harmond last week said the investigation was not sanctioned by the government.

However he said the investigation involved large sums of cash in Mr. Sharif’s personal bank account.

Reports say it could be the biggest money laundering and tax evasion case to hit Guyana.

Mr. Shariff was taken from his office by the police.

Following his arrest he was suspended from the public service.

According to reports the case in excess of one hundred billion dollars.