Dansoman Circuit Court has granted bail to Jeffrey Kyei-Baffour, a self-employed businessman, accused of fraudulent breach of trust involving GH¢805,698.66.
He faces a charge of fraudulent breach of trust contrary to Section 128 of the criminal offences Act 1960(ACT 29).
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Presiding over the case, Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit set bail at GH¢620,000 with two sureties, both of whom must be public servants earning at least GH¢2,000 and residing within the jurisdiction.
Additionally, one of the sureties must justify with title deeds equivalent to the bail amount.
The court has adjourned proceedings to May 28, 2024, while the case is forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice.
According to Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, the complainant, Lu Jian Wan, a Chinese national residing at Flamingo Junction, Mataheko, is a businessman dealing in import and wholesale of floor tiles and chemicals.
The accused, Jeffrey Kyei-Baffour, who resides in Greenville Avenue, Tema Community 25, allegedly convinced Lu Jian Wan that he could facilitate international money transfers through his bank at lower rates.
Having successfully processed smaller transactions earlier in the year, Kyei-Baffour gained the complainant’s trust.
On October 10, 2024, the complainant handed him two cheques totaling GH¢917,385.08 to be converted into US$56,804.00, covering transfer charges and statutory fees.
The accused confirmed that the amount had been credited to his account but only transferred GH¢111,686.34 (US$6,304.00) to the intended recipients in China, leaving a balance of GH¢805,698.66 (US$50,000.00), which he allegedly misappropriated.
After failing to receive confirmation of the full transfer, the complainant attempted to contact Kyei-Baffour, but the accused blocked all communication channels and went into hiding.
On November 28, 2024, the complainant lodged a complaint with the police, leading to Kyei-Baffour’s arrest at his hideout.
During investigations, the accused admitted to the offence in his caution statement and refunded GH¢200,000.00, which has been retained as evidence.
Following further investigations, Kyei-Baffour was formally charged and arraigned before the court.
The case continues on May 28, 2024, pending legal advice from the Attorney-General’s office.
