Couple charge with alleged fraud

A couple will be produced at the Nasinu Magistrates Court today charged with allegedly obtaining financial advantage in relation to the fraudulent sale of a motor vehicle.

The investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department's Fraud Unit revealed that during the month of September, 2022, the victim saw a social media advertisement regarding a vehicle for sale valued at $81,000.

The first accused, a 59-year-old man told the victim that he could arrange for shipment, upon the receipt of a deposit to confirm purchase. It is alleged that on the 20th day of November 2022, the victim with another, met the first accused and paid a deposit of $45,000, with an assurance provided by the accused that the vehicle would be in the country by December 2022. The deposit was paid, but the vehicle was never supplied.

Later the accused issued a cheque of $45,000 as a refund, however it was returned as there was no money in the account which belonged to his 33-year-old wife, to whom the company was registered under.

Charges were sanctioned by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, and they will be produced at the Nasinu Magistrates Court today.