Two Chinese nationals accused of dealing in gold without a license in Obuasi have been granted bail by an Accra High Court (Human Rights Division).
Liang Shao Kong and Qin Cal Yun, also accused of engaging in money laundering, were admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢500,000 with two sureties, one of whom must justify their means.
The accused were arrested by officials of the Ministry of National Security.
Previously, the accused persons had been brought before an Accra High Court, but their initial bail application was denied. However, their counsel later filed a fresh bail application before the Human Rights Court.
The two accused face charges of conspiracy to commit crime, buying and selling minerals without a license, and money laundering.
They were represented by Nelson Noble Amedewornu, while the state was represented by Amanda Awadey.
The facts of the case, as seen by the GNA, reveal that in August 2024, the Ministry of National Security received intelligence indicating that Golden Dream Limited, a company based in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, was allegedly trading in precious minerals without a license. The company, which primarily engaged in excavator rentals, was reportedly involved in gold dealings without proper authorization.
On August 2, 2024, a team of undercover agents visited the location and met the accused persons, Liang Shao Kong and Qin Cal Yun. Posing as gold dealers, they sold 62.05 grams of gold to the accused. On August 6, 2024, another transaction took place, involving 34.17 grams of gold. The total value of both transactions amounted to GH¢109,929.00.
On September 17, 2024, operatives of the Ministry of National Security conducted an operation targeting Golden Dream Limited in Obuasi. However, it was discovered that Golden Dream Limited had vacated the premises. The new occupant, Shengfa Company Limited, a Chinese-owned business engaged in excavator rental and sales, was searched. During the search, 653.20 grams of gold, valued at GH¢280,709.17, and cash totaling GH¢968,770 were seized.
The accused were arrested on the same day, and their statements were recorded. They admitted to trading in gold but were unable to provide a license for the activity. They further disclosed that they did not have a registered business and operated from the premises of Shengfa Company Limited.
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