By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, representatives of Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited, have been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1.
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 the said amount 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 alleged 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 representing that Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited would supply the tyres as agreed.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is being treated as committal proceedings.
Magistrate Jah subsequently informed the prosecution that he would treat the matter as a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Counsel for the accused, I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq., applied for bail pursuant to Section 76(1) (c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
In his application, counsel submitted that the accused had never previously appeared before the court and were businesspeople employed by a reputable institution. He further told the court that they had reliable sureties who were willing to enter into recognizance on their behalf.
Counsel also submitted that the accused were unaware of the circumstances that had led to their appearance before the court.
However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences.
The matter was adjourned to October 5, 2026, for further proceedings.