Kyei-Baffour Allegedly Defrauded Chinese Businessman of Over GH¢800k

A self-employed man, Jeffrey Kyei-Baffour, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a Chinese businessman, Lu Jian Wan, of GH¢805,698.66 under the pretense of facilitating an international money transfer.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraudulent breach of trust, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢620,000 with strict conditions, including two sureties who must be public servants earning at least GH¢2,000 and residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, one of the sureties must justify the bail with title deeds matching its value.

Case Background

According to Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, who presented the facts in court, the complainant, Lu Jian Wan, is a Chinese national residing in Mataheko, Accra. He imports and wholesales floor tiles and chemicals.

Earlier in 2024, Kyei-Baffour allegedly introduced himself to Wan as someone who could facilitate international money transfers at low costs through his bank.

Having engaged the accused for smaller transactions in the past, Wan entrusted him with two cheques totaling GH¢917,385.08 on October 10, 2024. The money was meant to be converted into $56,804 and sent to his suppliers in China.

However, investigations revealed that Kyei-Baffour only transferred GH¢111,686.34 ($6,304) to the supplier’s account and allegedly kept GH¢805,698.66 ($50,000) for personal use.

He then reportedly cut off all communication with Wan and went into hiding.

On November 28, 2024, Wan reported the matter to the police, leading to Kyei-Baffour’s arrest. During interrogation, the accused admitted to the offense and refunded GH¢200,000 to the police as evidence.

Court Proceedings

Presiding over the case, Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit granted bail and ordered the case to be forwarded to the Attorney General’s office for advice. The case has been adjourned to May 28, 2024, for further proceedings.

If found guilty under Section 128 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Kyei-Baffour could face severe legal consequences.

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