Pensioner to face Court Over GH¢32,000 Visa Fraud charge

A 70-year-old Pensioner, Joseph Osei Frimpong, who is facing trial for allegedly defrauding a building Contractor of GH¢32,000 under the pretence of securing him a visa to New Zealand, was absent from court on Monday, leading to an adjournment of the case.

Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, presiding over the case at the Circuit Court, Dansoman, adjourned the proceedings to February 24, 2025 following Frimpong’s failure to appear.

Inspector Esther Mensah is leading the prosecution in the matter.

Case Background

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Eric Opoku Afuakwa, a building contractor residing in New Bortianor, sought to travel abroad in 2022.

He was introduced to Frimpong, who allegedly posed as a travel agent and promised to secure him a New Zealand visa for GH¢32,000.

Frimpong initially demanded GH¢5,000 as a deposit, which Afuakwa paid. Three months later, the accused sent him a soft copy of what was purported to be a New Zealand visa and demanded the remaining GH¢27,000, which the complainant also paid.

However, Afuakwa later discovered that the visa was fake. When he confronted Frimpong, the accused reportedly claimed that plans had changed and promised to secure him a genuine Australian visa instead.

Realising he had been defrauded, Afuakwa reported the matter to the police on May 10, 2024, leading to Frimpong’s arrest. During investigations, the accused allegedly admitted to the offense in his caution statement.

 

Frimpong has been charged with defrauding by false pretenses, contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).With the accused absent from court, his fate now hangs in the balance as the case is set to resume later this month.

 

 

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