Alleged fraudster remanded to prison

Mohamed Ali, a man believed to be a notorious fraudster, was remanded to prison on Friday after he was charged with fraud.

Police Headquarters reported that the man was arrested as part of a serious investigation into MMG-related frauds.

It was noted that on March 29, Ali contacted a woman, Shelon Whitney, pretending to be an MMG agent. He reportedly claimed that her account needed an urgent update and convinced her to provide her one-time passwords. The woman’s 16-year-old daughter reportedly gave him access to the MMG account and then allegedly transferred $113,000 to himself.

Soon after, the man arranged to meet the girl and managed to convince her that MMG had a promotion. He reportedly met her at the Stabroek Market, where she handed over another $625,000.

Soon after, the mother and daughter realised they were defrauded and reported the incident to the Stabroek Market Police Outpost and the Cyber Crime Unit.

Acting on intelligence, Police ranks went to High Street, Georgetown and arrested Ali. Cellphones were later seized from his premises and analysed by the Cyber Crime Unit. It was confirmed that those devices were used in fraudulent activities.

An identification parade was later conducted and the girl confirmed Ali as the person who collected the money. Further, CCTV footage showed him in specific clothing at the scene; the clothes were found in a suitcase at his premises too and lodged as evidence.

Ali was taken to the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday and the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison.

The next court date is set for May 16. Police also said further investigations and additional charges are expected to be filed in connection with similar incidents.