GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — A Chinese woman has been charged by police in Guyana with being involved in a major money laundering and gold smuggling operation as well as overstaying her time in the country.

She has been identified as 34-year-old Zhong Jin Ziang,  a customer representative at Muneshwers Travel Service.

The charges stemmed from an ongoing investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in relation to money laundering and gold smuggling operations within and outside Guyana, allegedly involving Chinese citizens.

Zhong Jin Ziang was arrested on July 15 during the course of the investigation. She appeared in court where she pleaded not guilty and was placed on GUY $60,000 bail.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Zhong Jin Ziang entered Guyana from Suriname on September 7, 2023, and on her arrival at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, she was issued a visitor’s visa and granted one month stay in the country.

However, she started working at Muneshwer’s Travel Service and overstayed her time in Guyana, hence the charge.

Investigations continue.