Accused Remanded Following Alleged $17,000 Gold Fraud

Accused Remanded Following Alleged $17,000 Gold Fraud

A businessman, 42-year-old Sheka Kargbo, has been remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after being charged with serious offences related to an alleged gold fraud scam. The charges stem from an attempt to defraud a victim of $17,000 through the purported sale of five kilograms of gold.

Mr. Kargbo appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 to answer to two charges: Conspiracy to Defraud, contrary to law, and Obtaining Money by False Pretences, under section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The particulars of the offence state that between July 1 and October 1, 2025, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Mr. Kargbo allegedly conspired with unknown persons to commit fraud. The second count alleges that during the same period and location, he falsely represented that he possessed five kilograms of gold bars for sale, thereby inducing Lateef Belo Osagie to hand over $17,000 (equivalent to 416,500 Leones).

Prosecuting the case, Detective Police Constable Thoronka K.K. requested a short adjournment to call his next witness. Defence Counsel S.M. Kargbo subsequently renewed an application for bail for the accused.

Magistrate Fornah denied the bail application, citing the gravity of the charges, and ordered the defendant's remand. The case has been adjourned to November 7, 2025, for further proceedings.