Foreign Exchange Agent on Remand for Visa Fraud

By Fatima Kpaka

Magistrate Isata Sellu Tucker on Friday June 21st 2024 ordered that Issa Sall a foreign exchange businessman be remanded at the Pademba Road court No: 3 for allegedly obtaining over US $ 10, 000 from Mohamed Kajalee Sall on the pretext that he would facilitate his traveling to Australia.

The accused was charged with the offences of Conspiracy to Defraud, Obtaining Money by False Pretenses and Causing Money to be Paid by False Pretenses.

According to the particulars of offence the accused Issa Sall on a date unknown between 20th January and 29th February 2024, in Freetown, with intent to defraud conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime.  

The police further stated on the second count that the accused on the 8th of February 2024, at No.1 Sani Abacha Street, Freetown, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $7,760 equivalent to Le186, 240 from Mohamed Kajalee Sall on the pretext that he will provide an Australian visa for him to travel to Australia knowing same to be false.

The third count added that the accused on the 11th of March 2024, in Freetown, caused Mohamed Kajalee Sall to purchase an Australian Ticket at the cost of $ 3,195 equivalent to Le76, 680 from Sat Guru Travel Agency at Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown to travel to Australia which is known to be false.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused in court, he pleaded not guilty and no legal representation was made on his behalf.

Magistrate Isata Sellu Tucker however sent the accused on remand and the matter adjourned to 27 June 2024.

Inspector Abdul Tejan Bangura Prosecuted the matter on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.