Businessman bailed in $60,000 gold scheme fraud allegations

Emmerson Bockarie, aged 33, a businessman, was granted bail on Thursday, 8th May 2025, following his appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 1. He faces charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses.

The accused is charged with two counts related to a financial fraud amounting to sixty thousand United States dollars (approximately 1,356,000 Leones). The alleged offenses occurred between January 1 and May 24, 2024, in Monrovia, Liberia.

It is alleged by the prosecution that Mr. Bockarie conspired with unidentified individuals to deceive Ms. Isatu Jabbie, a resident of the United States, by falsely claiming to possess gold for sale and thereby inducing her to remit funds.

Count two alleges that Mr. Bockarie obtained the sum of sixty thousand United States dollars from Ms. Jabbie under false pretenses, specifically by claiming to have gold for sale, knowing this representation to be untrue.

Mr. Bockarie did not enter a plea upon the reading of the charges.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh represented the prosecution, and Ms. Mabinty Sesay, a businesswoman and sister of the complainant, provided testimony as a witness.

Ms. Sesay testified to her communication with her sister, who reported involvement in a gold mining venture and the transfer of funds to the accused based on his assertions.

Ms. Sesay further stated that her sister initially transferred $200 after the accused engaged her via video call and verified ownership of the contact number. Subsequently, an additional $10,000 was remitted with the expectation of receiving gold.

These transactions initiated the police investigation.

Under cross-examination by defense lawyer C. Kamara, the witness confirmed her sister's participation and the nature of the transactions.

The defense counsel submitted a bail application on behalf of the accused. Magistrate Bangura, upon consideration of the application, granted Mr. Bockarie bail in the amount of two million Leones, with two sureties of equal value. The sureties are required to be property owners in Freetown with properties valued at least half the bail amount and must present valid identification and bank account details. The sureties' accounts must contain half of the bail sum.

The proceedings have been adjourned to May 21, 2025, for further deliberation.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address financial fraud and safeguard citizens from fraudulent schemes involving the false sale of gold.