Businessman in court over $15,000 auto fraud

Eric Kwame Hini, a 34-year-old businessman, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding his colleague of $15,000.

Hini allegedly collected the money from the businessman under the pretext of securing him 2024 RAM 1,500 vehicle from the United States of America (USA) but failed.

Charged with defrauding by false pretences, he pleaded not guilty.

The court, presided over by Mr Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah, admitted him to bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with two sureties to reappear on January 16.

Meanwhile Hini, in open court, refunded $3,000 out of the total amount of $15,000.

Mr Godlove Kotei, Counsel for Hini, prayed for bail for his client to enable him to work and refund the rest of the amount.

He said they had a proposed payment plan through which they intended to refund the money.

Prosecution, led by Inspector Belinda Asante, told the court that despite the proposed payment plan, they intended to file their disclosures by the next adjourned date.

The case, as presented by the prosecution, was that the complainant, name withheld, was a businessman residing at Spintex while the accused resided at North Legon.

In March 2024, the complainant was introduced to the accused by a witness in the case as a car dealer, who could assist him to buy 2024 RAM 1,500 model vehicle from the USA.

The court heard that the accused demanded and collected $15,000 from the complainant to enable him to ship the vehicle to Ghana within two weeks after which he would make full payment.

After receiving the money, the accused failed to fulfil his promise and went into hiding. The complainant suspected foul play and reported the matter to the police.

On August 29, 2024, Hini was arrested from his hideout and handed over to the police.

In his caution statement, he admitted the offence and promised to get the complainant a new vehicle because he had problems while shipping the said vehicle.

Source: GNA