A businessman residing in Gbawe, Bernard Oduro Takyi, finds himself in legal turmoil after being accused of defrauding two individuals of $27,000 under the guise of facilitating USA visas.
The court heard that Takyi allegedly deceived Gabriel Kwame Ntim and Prince Kofi Osei, both residents of Kumasi and Accra respectively, promising to secure visas for them and others within a short period.
The accused purportedly assured the victims that their names would be included in the visa applications, leading Ntim to pay $13,000 and Osei $14,000 on separate occasions in April and May 2023.
In a troubling turn of events, Takyi is accused of fabricating entry and exit stamps from Singapore, Mauritius, Turkey, and South Africa in the complainants’ passports without their knowledge.
Additionally, he allegedly forged letters from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), falsely introducing Ntim as a strategic partner for real estate investors and Osei as a “Metro Climate Change Management Officer.”
Despite Takyi’s plea of not guilty, the Prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, vehemently opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges.
The court, presided over by Samule Bright Acquah, acceded to the Prosecution’s request, remanding Takyi into Police custody until the next hearing scheduled for February 12, 2024.
According to the Prosecution, Takyi submitted the forged documents to the Regional USA Embassy in Madagascar, leading to visa approvals for Ntim and Osei.
However, the Embassy later detected the forgery and revoked the visas, prompting the victims to report the incident to the Police on December 22, 2023.
The case underscores the risks associated with fraudulent visa schemes and the importance of vigilance when engaging in such transactions.
As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of documents and promises made by individuals offering visa assistance services.
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