An Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Isaac Addo has remanded three individuals into police custody for their alleged involvement in a gold fraud scheme. According to a report by Graphic Online the suspects are accused of defrauding a foreign national of 150000 dollars. The prosecution stated that the accused persons claimed they could supply the complainant with gold bars before disappearing with the funds.
The Ghana News Agency reports that the suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretenses. The court heard that the transaction allegedly took place in Accra where the suspects presented documents they claimed were legitimate gold mining licenses. A report by Citi Newsroom indicates that the complainant became suspicious after multiple delays in the delivery of the promised gold bars and subsequent loss of contact with the suspects.
During the court proceedings the prosecution requested more time to conclude investigations and look for additional accomplices who might be at large. A report from GhanaWeb notes that the defense counsel pleaded for bail for the accused persons arguing that they were not flight risks. However the presiding judge denied the bail application stating the gravity of the offense and the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing police investigation.
The Ghana Police Service has cautioned members of the public and foreign investors to be wary of gold deals that do not follow official channels established by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company. According to court records the three suspects are expected to reappear in court on October 24 2024. The police have currently seized several documents and electronic devices from the suspects for forensic examination to determine the full extent of the alleged fraudulent operations.