Crime & Punishment of Friday, 17 March 2006

Source: GNA

Connection man remanded in custody

Accra, March 17, GNA - An Accra District Court on Friday remanded Seth Boakye, unemployed, in custody for defrauding a prospective traveller of 1,000 dollars under the pretext of processing travelling documents for him. Boakye had told Mr Anthony Yeboah, the complainant, that after he had secured the particulars for him, he would travel with him to Israel to find him a lucrative job. Boakye pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences and he is to reappear on April 12 2006.

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Jubiok Michaels told the court presided over by Mrs Olivia Obeng Owusu that sometime in June, 2005, the accused returned from Israel and managed to convince prospective travellers, who had difficulties in processing their documents that he could help them to go to that country because he had contacts there. The Prosecutor said one Mr Asante Asamoah also a victim, readily informed his friend, Mr Yeboah, who became interested in joining the trip to Israel.

In August 2005 Mr Yeboah called the accused on phone and met him at the Kotoka International Airport, where the accused confirmed the story. Inspector Michaels said Boakye then demanded 20 million cedis from Mr Yeboah to facilitate the preparation of the documents, adding that Mr Yeboah raised 1,000 dollars and gave it to Boakye. After collecting the money Boakye went into hiding, until he was arrested on February 4 2006.