Three before court for defrauding Canadian MP in gold scam

Three persons who allegedly defrauded a Canadian Member of Parliament and others of 727,500 dollars over a gold scam have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

The three, Kwame Amponsah, Isaac Ohene Agyekum, both of whom are Ghanaians and Iddrisu Fatau, a Nigerian, have denied the charge of defrauding by false pretences.

The Court presided over by Ms Eva Bannerman Williams, admitted them to bail but ordered them to deposit GH¢150,000 as part of the bail condition.

They are expected to reappear on December 21.

Prosecuting Chief Superintendent of Police Mr Duuti Tuaruka said the victims (names withheld) are French Canadians from Quebec.

According to the Prosecution, one of the victims was a sitting Member of Parliament in Canada.

The Prosecution said the victims were approached by a Cameroonian resident in France about a partnership deal in Africa.

Chief Supt. Tuaruka said the victims expressed interest and they were introduced to Kwame Amponsah in May this year.

Prosecution said Amponsah who claimed to be the Director of Bar Purity Ghana Limited and his accomplices showed the victims two gold bars which were proven to be of good quality.

Accused subsequently collected the victim monies, totaling $727,500.00 but failed to provide them with the gold.

Prosecution said efforts by the victims to collect their monies had proved futile, adding that, the accused persons have been harassing and threatening the victims.

Police investigations however led to the arrest of accused persons.

Source: GNA