An Accra Circuit Court has recently made a ruling in the auto fraud case involving former Black Stars player, Prince Tagoe. The court has ordered Tagoe to pay GHS10 per dollar as part of the resolution of the case.
It has been reported that Tagoe has already refunded USD21,000 (GHS210,000) cedi equivalent, leaving a remaining balance of USD19,000. However, during the court proceedings, Tagoe expressed his intention to refund the money based on the year 2021 dollar rate. This proposition was met with opposition from the prosecution, led by Detective Chief Inspector Agartha Abena Asantewa, who argued that the money provided by the complainant to Tagoe was in dollars and that pegging one dollar at GHS10 was not reflective of the current rate on the forex market.
The allegations against Tagoe involve the defrauding of Blacks Stars Assistant Coach, George Boateng, of USD40,000. It is claimed that Tagoe collected the money under the pretense of importing a Lexus sports utility vehicle for Boateng. Despite denying the offense, Tagoe has made partial payments amounting to GHS20,000, GHS70,000, and GHS71,000. As a result, the court has granted him bail in the sum of GHS100,000 with specific conditions regarding sureties.
According to Prosecuting Detective Chief Inspector Agartha Abena Asantewaa, the complainant, Mr. George Antwi Boateng, who is also a former player, was based in Germany and had previously managed Tagoe during his time as a player in Germany. The court heard that in 2020, Tagoe and Boateng met in Ghana where the issue of purchasing a vehicle was discussed.
Subsequently, USD40,000 was deposited into Tagoe’s bank account on January 8, 2021, with the expectation that he would deliver the vehicle to Boateng by March 30, 2021. However, Tagoe failed to fulfill this commitment and cited financial constraints as the reason for his inability to import the vehicle as promised.
The matter has been adjourned to February 21, 2024.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in financial transactions and serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions associated with fraudulent activities. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains essential for all parties involved to adhere to the due process of law and cooperate with the authorities to ensure a fair and just resolution.
-source GNA | curated by Neizer Gyamfi | Ghana Crimes
