Two Chinese Nationals Granted Bail Over Alleged $54,825 Fraud
By S.B. Amara
Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, representatives of Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited, have been granted bail by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in connection with an alleged fraud involving US$54,825.
The accused persons are facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law, and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on 26 April 2025, at 8 Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, Western Area, Freetown, the two accused allegedly conspired with other persons associated with Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited in China to defraud Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited of US$54,825.
The prosecution alleges that the accused dishonestly induced the complainant to pay the money for 270 tyres by falsely representing that the tyres to be supplied would be quality Chaoyang and Double Coin tyres conforming to the agreed contractual specifications.
Count Two further alleges that, on the same date and at the same location, the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained US$54,825 from Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited and Yang Ruilan by falsely pretending that Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited would supply the agreed tyres.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons, no plea was taken as the matter is being handled as a committal proceeding.
Magistrate Jah informed the prosecution that he was treating the matter as a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Counsel representing the two accused, I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq., renewed and adopted their previous bail application on behalf of their clients.
After considering the application, Magistrate Jah granted bail to both accused persons.
The matter was adjourned to 12 October 2026 for further proceedings.
