In a case that has captured public attention, Ernest Larbi, a 32-year-old lotto agent with Alpha Lotto Company Limited, has been arraigned before Circuit Court 9 in Accra for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that cost his employer a staggering GH¢231,720. The charges stem from the presentation of falsified winning tickets, an act described by prosecutors as defrauding by false pretence and abetment of crime.
The case, presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, unfolded with Larbi pleading not guilty to 19 charges, including multiple counts of defrauding by false pretence under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The amounts involved in these charges range from GH¢4,800 to GH¢28,800. Larbi also faces one count of abetment of crime, implicating his alleged co-conspirator, Theresa Afful, in the preparation of the falsified documents.
Allegations and Modus Operandi
Court documents reveal that between February and August 2022, Larbi allegedly conspired with Theresa Afful (A2), a lotto writer currently at large, and Belinda Afful, a witness in the case, to present fraudulent winning tickets to Alpha Lotto. As part of his responsibilities as a lotto agent, Larbi was tasked with receiving tickets from lotto writers and sorting out winners. It is alleged that he leveraged this position to forge winning tickets after the draw and submit them for payment under false pretences.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly netted GH¢231,720, with proceeds shared among Larbi and his collaborators. During a company audit, Larbi admitted to his involvement and disclosed that he had given 30% of each amount to his accomplices. While he initially made a partial refund of GH¢70,000, he later reneged on his promise to pay the outstanding balance of GH¢161,720.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Larbi has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with stringent conditions. The bail terms require two sureties—one must be justified while the other must be an ordinary Ghanaian citizen. The case has been adjourned to August 28, 2025, allowing time for further investigations and legal deliberations.
Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu is leading the prosecution team, supported by Detective Chief Inspector Richmond Ayayi, who is spearheading the investigation. The complainant in the case is Evans Kwaah, an Alpha Lotto agent who also serves as Larbi’s supervisor.
Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights the vulnerabilities within systems involving high-value transactions and the importance of robust auditing processes. If proven guilty, Larbi and his alleged collaborators could face severe penalties under Ghanaian law. The charges not only tarnish the reputation of those involved but also raise broader questions about accountability and fraud prevention within the lottery industry.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes will be on Circuit Court 9 as it navigates this complex case. The outcome will undoubtedly serve as a precedent for similar cases in the future, reinforcing the need for transparency and ethical conduct in business operations.
Alpha Lotto Company Limited has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but it is expected that measures will be taken to strengthen its internal controls to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Stay tuned for updates as this high-profile case develops.
-Thechroniclenewspaper
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
