By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 35-year-old Russian national, Pavel Korolev, also known as Pasha, made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 on eight counts of charges, including conspiracy to defraud and seven counts of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, between January and June 2025 at Old Mabanta Road, Makeni, in Sheborah Chiefdom, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to defraud Mervert Berkalieva, the Chief Executive Officer of Ashkenazi Capital Sierra Leone Limited.
Count two stated that on 13 March 2025, at the same location, the defendant allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit the sum of US$10,000 (equivalent to Le 237,000), entrusted to him by Berkalieva for artisanal mining operations.
Count three further stated that on 18 March 2025, the defendant allegedly converted US$30,000 (Le 711,000) for the same purpose.
Count four alleged that on the same date and location, he converted US$19,500 (Le 462,150) entrusted for mining activities.
Count five stated that on 21 March 2025, he allegedly converted US$15,000 (Le 355,500) for the same purpose.
Count six alleged that on 24 March 2025, he converted US$10,000 (Le 237,000) belonging to the complainant.
Count seven stated that on 2 April 2025, the defendant allegedly converted US$32,000 (Le 758,400) entrusted for artisanal mining operations.
Count eight further alleged that on the same date and place, he converted Le 24,000 entrusted to him for mining activities.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken as the matter is still at committal proceedings.
The prosecutor, C.S.P. Tommy B. Zizer Esq, applied for a short adjournment date.
Counsel K. Sellu Esq, representing the defendant, did not object to the application for adjournment.
Magistrate Jah subsequently adjourned the matter to 13 May 2026 for further hearing.