Two alleged members of an internet fraud syndicate have been apprehended and placed in police custody for their involvement in defrauding traders and businesses. Kingsford Adjetey, a painter from Kasoa, and Kofi Isaah, a dispatch rider from Ablekumah, have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud and defrauding by false pretenses. The accused individuals are said to have swindled a lady out of GH¢16,000 worth of frozen foods before going into hiding. However, their luck ran out when they attempted to repeat the scam with a sister company.
The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on December 12. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector A. Darko, stated that the complainant in this case was Anita Owusu, a journalist residing in East Legon. The prosecutor further explained that in addition to her journalism work, the complainant was also involved in the frozen foods trade and would post her products for sale on the Jiji platform.
On October 23, 2023, the third accused person, identified as Philip and currently at large, contacted the complainant and placed an order for Turkey wings and chicken parts worth GH¢36,420. Philip instructed the complainant to deliver the goods to him at Weija barrier, promising to make payment upon delivery. As per Philip’s instructions, two individuals named Adjetey and Isaah, who turned out to be the sons of Philip, intercepted the complainant along the way. They took a portion of the goods, totaling GH¢16,000 in value, while Isaah led the complainant to the destination to offload the remaining items and collect her money.
However, as they approached a traffic intersection, Isaah suddenly sped off on his motorbike when the traffic light turned red, leaving the complainant behind. Efforts to contact Philip were futile as all his phones were switched off, prompting the complainant to report the incident to the East Legon Police Station.
The accused individuals attempted to carry out the same scam with another frozen food supplier, intending to receive the goods at Kwashieman. However, luck was not on their side this time as they were recognized by the complainant, who promptly alerted the police.
Upon their arrest, Adjetey and Isaah admitted to the crime but failed to provide information leading to the arrest of their boss, Philip. Prosecution is currently working to apprehend him.
In summary, two members of an internet fraud syndicate have been caught and charged for swindling traders. The complainant, who also traded frozen foods, was deceived into delivering goods worth GH¢16,000 to the fraudsters. Although the accused individuals were successful in their initial attempt, they were identified during a subsequent scam by the original victim. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend a third member of the syndicate.
