By: Audrey Raymonda John
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 Freetown over alleged fraud involving US$54,825.
The accused 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 April 26, 2025, at 8 Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, in the Western Area of Freetown, the 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 alleged that the accused dishonestly induced the complainant to pay 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 alleged that, on the same date and at the same place, the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained US$54,825 from Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited and Yang Ruilan by falsely representing that their company, Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited, would supply the tyres in accordance with the agreed specifications.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is being dealt with as committal proceedings.
Magistrate Jah informed the prosecutor that he was treating the matter as a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Counsel representing the accused, I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq., renewed and adopted their previous bail application on behalf of their clients.
Magistrate Jah subsequently granted bail to both accused persons and adjourned the matter to October 12, 2026.