Businessman accused of visa fraud granted GH¢50,000 bail
The Accra Circuit Court has granted GH¢50,000.00 bail with two sureties to a businessman, accused of defrauding a woman of US$5,000, under the pretext of securing her a German visa.
Faisal Moro Mohammed, 31, denied defrauding Madam Mercy Sarfo as well as breaching the trust between the two.
Police Chief Inspector Daniel Danku told the Court presided over by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah that Madam Mercy, the complainant, a trader, was a resident of Odorkor, in Accra, whilst Faisal, was a businessman, residing at Dansoman also in Accra.
The prosecution said in 2020, Alhaji Razak, a travelling agent, introduced the complainant to accused.
Chief Insp Danku said in 2023, complainant received a phone call from Alhaji Razak, who told her that there was another travelling opportunity in Germany through Greece.
The prosecution said Alhaji Razak informed complainant that the transaction would cost US$7000, including her passport and documents.
Chief Inspector Danku said Alhaji Razak told complainant had to travel toNigeria for the visa within three days.
The complainant showed interest and later in the day, received a phone call from accused.
Chief Insp Danku said Faisal informed the complainant he was leaving the country with some passengers to Nigeria to secure German visas for them within three.
The prosecution said the complainant met accused at Aflao station and they left for Nigeria together with the other clients.
Chief Insp Danku said Faisal collected US$2000 from the complainant together with her Ghanaian passport to start the process.
The court heard that accused later demanded additional US$3000 and the complainant informed a witness, who was in Ghana for assistance.
Chief Insp Danku said accused contacted a dispatch rider by the name Mohammed, in Ghana, who met with the witness and collected the US$3000.
The court heard that accused confirmed receiving the money in Nigeria and also collecting GH¢2,000.00 from the complainant
as a visa fee.
Chief Insp Danku said the accused failed to secure visa for the complainant, who spent two months in Nigeria and later returned to Ghana.
The prosecution said accused admitted to the charges against him, and pleaded with the police to give him time to refund the money to the complainant.
Faisal will reappear before court on February 29, 2024. —GNA
