Accra, Feb. 2, GNA - A 38-year-old self-styled visa contractor who defrauded a Sunyani-based trader of 4,000 dollars was on Friday put before an Accra Circuit Court.

Charles Boamah pleaded not guilty to two counts of defrauding by false pretences and forging of documents.

He was remanded in custody until February 6 2007. The Prosecution told the court that in November 2006, Miss Adwoa Amponsah was introduced to a witness as someone who could assist her to obtain an Italian visa.

The Prosecution said Boamah charged Miss Amponsah a total of 4,000 dollars and collected half the amount to enable him to process the necessary documents within two weeks.

According to the Prosecution, Boamah contacted Miss Amponsah a week later and informed her that the visa was ready and demanded payment of the rest of the money.

Boamah, in addition to the visa, promised to secure a ticket for Miss Amponsah. However, after collecting the money, he switched off his mobile phone and went into hiding.

Miss Amponsah then became suspicious and reported the matter to the Police, who later arrested Boamah, when he re-surfaced after being lured into a similar visa connection.

The visa Boamah gave to Miss Amponsah was found to be a forged one when it was verified at the Italian Embassy.