Businessman allegedly swindles police officer over 2 auctioned vehicles

SourceGNA

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A 46-year-old businessman who allegedly collected GH¢72,000 from a police officer under the pretext of securing him two auctioned vehicles has appeared before the Circuit Court in Accra.

The accused, George Adu-Twum, is said to have committed the offence in 2021. He pleaded not guilty to defrauding by false pretences.

The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, granted Adu-Twum bail in the sum of GH¢75,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case to April 7, 2025. The trial judge also ordered the prosecution to comply with the rules of disclosure.

Chief Inspector Daniel Ofori-Appiah, the prosecutor, told the court that the complainant, whose name was withheld, is a police officer residing at Weija SCC, Accra, while the accused resides at Weija Gbawe.

According to the prosecution, in 2021, the complainant’s relatives were in need of a Toyota Pickup and a Hyundai i30 salon car. After discussing the matter with a friend, he was introduced to Adu-Twum.

The complainant met Adu-Twum at Abelemkpe, where the accused allegedly pointed at a Toyota Hilux and a Hyundai i30 as auctioned vehicles, insisting that payments had to be made immediately due to other interested buyers.

Following negotiations, GH¢72,000 was mobilised. GH¢40,000 was paid at the accused’s office at Abelemkpe, while GH¢32,000 was handed over at the complainant’s office at the Ministries.

Adu-Twum allegedly promised that the auctioned vehicles would be ready in a week. However, after collecting the money, he reportedly went into hiding until his arrest on January 15, 2025.

“During investigations, he refunded an amount of GH¢25,000,” the prosecution told the court.

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