Trader in court over Visa Fraud

Felix Frimpong, a trader who allegedly defrauded a man of GHC28,000.00 under the pretext of securing him a Canadian visa but failed appeared before an Accra Circuit Court, on Friday.

Frimpong charged with conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretences, pleaded not guilty.

He was admitted to bail in the sum of GHC50,000.00 with two sureties to reappear on October 22 before the court, presided over by Mrs Ruby Quayson.

His accomplice Akwasi Afrifa is, however, at large.

Prosecuting Chief Inspector Kofi Adu told the court that the complainant Abrahams Nuamah was unemployed and lived in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, whilst Frimpong resided at Adjin Kotoku, in Accra.

Last year, the Prosecution said, the complainant had the desire to travel abroad for greener pastures.

The prosecution said Nuamah’s brother in-law introduced the complainant to Frimpong as the one who could secure him a Canadian visa.

Chief Inspector Adu said Frimpong assured the complainant of his ability to secure the visa at a cost of $10,000.00 for him (Nuamah).

Therefore, he collected GHC26,000.00, which is the cedi equivalent and his passport.

Within two weeks the prosecution said Frimpong showed to the complainant a photocopy of his passport embossed with a Canadian visa.

Seeing it, Chief Inspector Adu said the complainant became convinced.

According to prosecution, Frimpong then introduced Afrifa to the complainant and explained that he (complainant) would travel in the company of Afrifa and others.

The Prosecution said Afrifa informed the complainant that the programme for which reason they were travelling to Canada had been cancelled.

In September last year, Afrifa approached the complainant and informed him that there was another programme at Australia so he should bring GH?2,000.00 so that he would be included in the programme.

Chief Inspector Adu said Afrifa failed to honour his promise and went into hiding.

Later, the prosecution said Afrifa posted the complainant’s passport to him.

On June 1, this year, the prosecution said a report was made to the Police and they arrested Frimpong who admitted the offence in his caution statement.