[2016]DLHC7654 • March 18, 2016 • High Court
THE REPUBLIC vs. MATHIAS APPIAH BILL @ DELALI VETTEL @ ROBERT SCOTT ..... ACCUSED PERSON
The accused, using multiple aliases including Robert Scott and Delali Vettel, engaged in electronic communication with the complainant, Kathleen D. Minicz, via an internet dating site. He falsely represented himself as an American timber merchant and induced the complainant to send a total of approximately USD 120,000 through various electronic transfers for purported business ventures in Ghana. The accused opened bank accounts under different names, withdrew funds to purchase a vehicle, and was suspected of money laundering and fraud. Investigations revealed multiple suspicious transactions and the accused's inability to justify the receipt and use of the funds.
read moreThe accused is charged with two counts namely; a) Defrauding by false pretences contrary to section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), b) Money Laundering contrary to section 1(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 794) The facts of the case as was rendered to the Court are that the complainant, Kathleen D. Minicz of 13831 Newgate Street, Waverly, NE 68462, Nebraska, USA stated in an affidavit and certification before the United States District Court that she is a 42-year old widow. According to the prosecution, the complainant alleges that she was defrauded by the accused herein. The prosecution says that investigations revealed that between January and September 2010, the accused through electronic transaction and prohibited cyber fraud received USD$120,000 from the complainant through money wires, Western Union and transfers. The accused, it is alleged, introduced himself as Robert Scott, 54 years, an American timber merchant resident in Germany and Ghan...