You are here: HomeNews2004 05 06Article 57307

General News of Thursday, 6 May 2004

Source: GNA

Travel Agent remanded for visa fraud

Accra, May 5, GNA - An Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday remanded a Travel Agent in custody for defrauding two sisters of 120 million cedis under the pretext of securing them a United Kingdom visa.

Isaac Asare pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in Police custody to reappear on Nay 11.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Elizabeth Alormatu told the court presided over by Mr Williwise Kyeremeh that sometime in August 2003, Abigail Abrokwa and Christiana Abroakwa, complainants, expressed interest to travel to the United Kingdom.

DSP Alormatu said Abigail and Christiana were introduced to Asare as a Travel Agent, who could assist them.

Prosecution said after discussing the deal, Asare told them he could secure the visa for them within two weeks, including all relevant documents.

Asare then charged them 120 million cedis out of which they were supposed to make an initial payment of 60 million cedis. DSP Alormatu said Abigail and Christiana immediately contacted their brother Samuel Abrokwa, who was residing in the UK, for the necessary assistance.

Prosecution said Samuel sent them 60 million cedis, which they gave to Asare to commence with the visa acquisition process. DSP Alormatu said after two weeks Asare told Abigail and Christiana to pack their bags and luggage and meet him at the airport for departure.

The Prosecutor said immediately the two sisters got to the Airport Asare told them they had just missed the flight and collected the remaining 60 million cedis and gave them the assurance that he would arrange a different flight for them within some few days.

DSP Alormatu said Asare then went into hiding until he was arrested at his hideout.