In a recent development, a 59-year-old car dealer, Gbegoueu Evrard, has been remanded into Police custody by the Achimota Circuit Court on allegations of swindling a businessman of GHC620,000 in a gold transaction.
Evrard, a French national, is accused of collecting the money from the complainant, Hayford Boadi, under the false pretense of selling gold, which he allegedly failed to deliver. He is currently facing a charge of defrauding by false pretences, with his accomplices identified as Ernest Kweku Antwi, a 32-year-old aluminum fabricator, and Jordan Ansah, a 24-year-old private security man. The trio has been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit the crime of defrauding by false pretence.
During the court proceedings, Evrard's plea could not be taken due to the unavailability of a French interpreter. As a result, the court has ordered the Registrar to arrange for a French interpreter for the next sitting on March 13, 2024.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stephen Ahiale, the complainant, a resident of Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region, was lured into the gold transaction based on representations made by Evrard. It is alleged that Evrard claimed to have a friend in Ghana who dealt in refined gold and convinced the complainant to invest in the business.
Subsequently, the complainant parted with GHC620,000 in multiple payments to Evrard for alleged rituals related to the gold transaction. However, Evrard reportedly failed to fulfill his promise and instead provided the complainant and witness with conflicting stories.
In a subsequent development in February 2024, Evrard, along with Antwi and Ansah, allegedly conspired to defraud the witness in another gold business transaction. This led to their arrest by the Police during a meeting at a gated house in Lapaz Fishpond, where they were found in possession of five coated metallic objects resembling refined gold bars. One individual, Abdullai, managed to escape during the arrest.
The exhibits recovered from the scene are currently being forwarded for Assay testing and report to facilitate further investigations into the matter.
As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of due diligence and caution in business transactions, especially those involving high-value commodities such as gold. The legal proceedings against Evrard and his accomplices serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with fraudulent activities and the recourse available through law enforcement channels.
The court's decision to secure a French interpreter for Evrard's plea demonstrates a commitment to ensuring fair and transparent judicial processes. As the case progresses, it will be essential to uphold the principles of justice and accountability to address the alleged fraudulent conduct and its impact on the affected parties.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for similar business dealings and contribute to upholding integrity and trust within commercial transactions. It serves as a cautionary tale for individuals and businesses to exercise prudence and vigilance when engaging in financial ventures, particularly those involving substantial sums and valuable assets.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is imperative to await further developments and adhere to the rule of law in addressing allegations of fraudulent activities within the business realm. The case underscores the importance of ethical conduct and compliance with legal standards to maintain the integrity of commercial transactions and safeguard against potential financial misconduct.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Ghana | Ghana Crimes
