A 63-year-old businessman, Raymond Lamptey France, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding seven individuals under the pretence of securing United Kingdom visas for them.
Presided over by Her Honour Susana Eduful, the court heard that France faces seven counts of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
France, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000 with two sureties.
Each of the sureties must be earning not less than GH¢5,000 per month. The accused is to report to the police every fourth night of month. The case has been adjourned to September 24, 2025.
The Alleged Scheme
According to Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye-Okuffo, who is leading the prosecution, the case was initiated by a complaint from Fiona Graham, an ambulance worker from Kumasi.
On June 19, 2024 Graham was introduced to France by a classmate named Gifty in Accra.
France, described as a businessman residing in Korle Gonno, allegedly claimed he had previously lived in the UK and could assist Graham in obtaining a visa.
He reportedly requested GH¢14,000 to begin the visa process. France then took Graham to the Nima Police Station for a supposed police clearance and to a medical facility for examinations, further convincing her of the legitimacy of the process.
Graham later introduced three of her acquaintances — Gloria Agyemang, Joseph Graham and Celestina Jacob to the accused.
France allegedly collected GH¢14,000 each from Gloria and Joseph and GH¢5,000 from Celestina through mobile money, under the same pretext of securing UK visas.
In a similar pattern, Gloria Agyemang introduced Winifred Sarfo, Sie Kwesi Simon and Effah Philomina Darkoaa to France, who also allegedly paid GH¢14,000 each to the accused.
All victims were promised visas within a month, but France reportedly failed to deliver or return the funds. Despite repeated requests for a refund, the accused allegedly did not comply, prompting the victims to report the matter to the police.
The prosecution revealed that all transactions were made via mobile money, with France leveraging social connections and false assurances to build credibility. Following his arrest and a police investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Issifu Naporo Baba, France was formally charged and arraigned.
