Sunyani, Jan. 23, GNA - Mr Richard Boakye Abankwa, a 30 year old farmer was on Friday arraigned at Fiapre, near Sunyani for defrauding four persons of 70 million cedis under the pretext of assisting them to travel to Italy.

His plea was not taken and he was remanded into prison custody to appear again on January 30, 2004.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alex Yartey Tawiah, prosecutor, told the court, presided over by Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Gyamfi, that the complainants, Mr Charles Amoako, carpenter, Mr Isaac Henneh, fitter, Mr Eric Boakye, driver and Mr Kwesi Koran, also a driver, are all residents of Nsoatre, near Sunyani whilst the accused, a native of Obo Kwahu, resides in Accra.

He said on November 2002, the complainants decided to travel to Italy to seek greener pastures and one Tawiah and Boadi introduced them to Abankwa, who agreed to assist them.

ASP Tawiah said the accused subsequently collected 20 million cedis from Amoako, 30 million cedis from Henneh, 10 million cedis from Boakye and 10 million cedis from Koran.

He said the accused later took them to Accra and arranged for accommodation for them at a hotel at Dansoman whilst he pursued their documents for the journey.

The prosecutor said the accused, however, bolted and was not seen again until January 15 this year when they spotted him in Sunyani and caused his arrest.

Upon interrogation, Abankwa admitted the offence to the police. ASP Tawiah said other persons who had fallen victim to the accused had also reported to the police and investigations were going on.