Fraudster remanded in police custody

Akyem Oda (E/R), Sept 06, GNA -An Akyem Oda Magistrate Court on Wednesday remanded Kwame Asante, a 40 year-old trader, for defrauding a teacher.

Asante, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud, would re-appear on September 15.

Prosecuting, Police Chief Inspector Ben Osei Kwadwo told the court presided over by a Circuit Court Judge Mr Edward Kwame Bosompem Apenkwah, that the accused was believed to be a member of "419" syndicate operating a scam "Areeba" transfer chip business. Police Chief Inspector Kwadwo said the complainant wanted to invest in "Areeba" transfer units business. He said the complainant got in touch with one Emmanuel Kwakye who sells assorted mobile phones at Akyem Oda and promised to contact the accused person to assist her.

The accused later approached the complainant and demanded a 12 million cedis and promised to go with her to Agona Swedru on August 9. The prosecution said on that date Asante took the complainant to Agona Swedru where he told her that the Manager of Areeba Accra was sending someone from Accra to bring the transfer chip to her. He said Asante was in constant touch with his supposed partners on his mobile phone till the messenger finally arrived and handed over the chip to them and collected the 12 million cedis. The chip was later found to be a fake after they had returned to Akyem Oda. The prosecution said when Asante was arrested and asked to assist the police to trace the messenger and the manager he claimed brought the chip, he told them he did not know their places of abode.