We have recently witnessed a significant development in the legal sphere, as Police Officer – Staff Sergeant (S/Sgt) Isaac Akwasi Aning and seven other individuals have been arraigned and charged in connection with a $523k gold scam. This complex transaction involved six Ghanaians and two Turkish nationals, who are the alleged victims in this case.
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The accused individuals, including S/Sgt. Akwasi Aning, Samuel Adu Kumi, Benjamin Kakpo Addoquaye, Isaac Offei, Benjamin Kologo, and Isaac Tieku, all Ghanaians, have pleaded not guilty to charges of Conspiracy, defrauding by false pretense, and Money-laundering. Additionally, Samuel Adu Kumi faces a separate charge of selling gold without a license, while Benjamin Kpakpo Addoquaye and Isaac Offei have denied the charge of Corruption of a public officer.
On the other hand, the two Turkish nationals who purchased the purported 10kg of gold, Omer Topcu and Mustafa Ceyhan, have also been charged for "buying gold without a license" under section 99(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). They have all pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail.
The accused individuals have been ordered to report to the investigating unit on a regular basis and to deposit their passports at the court registry as part of their bail conditions. The Prosecution, led by Ms. Selasi Kuwornu, an Assistant State Attorney (ASA), has informed the Court that they have complied with all previous orders and have filed all witness statements and disclosures.
The case has been adjourned to May 14 for Case Management Conference. The brief facts of the case reveal that the National Security received intelligence regarding an impending scam involving the two Turkish nationals. Subsequently, arrests were made and a significant amount of fake gold was seized.
It is alleged that the accused individuals planned to sell fake gold to the Turkish nationals for a substantial sum. The intricate details of the plan involved various roles assigned to the accused individuals, including the procurement of fake gold bars, the sale of the gold without a license, and the involvement of a Police Officer in orchestrating a staged arrest.
This case highlights the importance of stringent regulations and oversight in the gold trading industry and serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with such transactions. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial to ensure a fair and thorough examination of the evidence presented.
We will continue to monitor this case closely and provide updates as it progresses through the judicial system. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have implications for the regulation of gold trading and the enforcement of laws governing such transactions.
-source Starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
