Businessman loses GH¢124,000 to three swindlers

Three people have run into trouble with the law over alleged swindling of a businessman of his cash of GHȼ124,000.00 under the pretext of supplying him with a consignment of rice and sugar.

Fanta Salifu alas Hajia Fati, George Owusu Ansah and Osmanu Salifu Gyimah were on Monday put before a Kumasi Circuit Court charged with conspiracy and defrauding by false pretense.

They pleaded not guilty and were remanded to make their next appearance on Thursday, October 13.

Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel A. Akunnor, told the court, presided over by Mrs. Mary Nsenkyire, that the crime was committed in April.

Fanta had informed a Kumasi-based businessman, Osmanu Amidu Dauda, that she was expecting a shipment of rice and sugar and that she could supply him with these goods.

The victim expressed interest and went ahead to give a Cal Bank cheque for an amount of GHȼ61,600.00 to clear the goods on arrival at the Tema Harbour.

Days later, Fanta announced to him that the shipment had finally arrived in the country from Europe and that he should meet her in Accra with additional cash of GH¢62,400.00.

The prosecution said in Accra the woman introduced Gyimah to the victim as her business partner and asked that the money should be paid to him, which Dauda did.

After taking the money, he was promised that the goods would be delivered the next day.

That promise was never kept as the accused switched off their mobile phones and went into hiding.

A formal report was made to the police and they were tracked down and arrested.

Source: GNA