Freetown Youth Remanded Over Alleged $12,000 Fraudulent Conversion

Freetown Youth Remanded Over Alleged $12,000 Fraudulent Conversion

A local youth, Osman Japtay, has been remanded to custody following his appearance in court on charges of fraudulent conversion involving $12,000 USD. The proceedings, overseen by Magistrate Jah, follow allegations that the funds were stolen while entrusted to the defendant for delivery.

Japtay faces a single count charge under Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act 1916. The prosecution alleges that on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Lumley Street in Freetown, the defendant converted 12,000 United States dollars—valued at approximately 288,000 Leones—to his own use. The money had been provided by Abdul Rahman Barrier for delivery to Mohamed Bluba Jagitay.

During the committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17649 Brima Kargbo of the Economic and Fraud Financial Unit testified as the second prosecution witness. DPC Kargbo informed the court that the case was transferred to the CID headquarters on May 14, 2026, from the Kissy Police Station.

The witness tendered several documents into evidence, including Japtay’s voluntary caution statement and a progress report. He further confirmed that on May 19, 2026, Japtay was formally charged with the offence. Under cross-examination, DPC Kargbo reaffirmed the accuracy of the investigation and the documents presented.

Magistrate Jah denied the defendant’s request for bail, citing the gravity of the financial crime. The case has been adjourned until July 9, 2026, for further testimony and proceedings.