A Nigerian national, who entered Guyana illegally from Brazil through Lethem, has been charged for collecting money under false pretense, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) said on Friday.
The man, Uche Raymond Okoye, who is also known as Uche Parker, is allegedly part of a criminal organisation, which fraudulently receives cash deposits from unsuspecting Guyanese victims.
Last Tuesday, he was charged with two counts of obtaining money by false pretense in breach of Section 194 0f the Criminal Law Offences Act. Cap 8:01; demanding money by menace, contrary to Section 224 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Cap 8:01; and having entered Guyana illegally.
“Uche Raymond Okoye is suspected to be part of a criminal network involving Nigerian Nationals who collaborate with other associates and solicited cash from their victims by promising high valued merchandise to be delivered following the payment of a charge or fee amounting to millions,” SOCU said in a statement. Four victims have since stepped forward.
On November 24, 2020, he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was remanded to prison.
The matter has been adjourned to December 7, 2020 at 9:00h. SOCU said more charges will be laid against him and his accomplices shortly as the investigation widens.
