By Saidu Jalloh | D.S Reporter
FREETOWN — Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, representatives of Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited, have been remanded at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Facility after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No.1.
The duo is facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
The prosecution alleges that on April 26, 2025, at 8 Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, Freetown, the accused conspired with other individuals associated with Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited in China to defraud Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited and one Yang Ruilan of US$54,825.
According to the prosecution, the money was paid for the supply of 270 tyres after the accused allegedly represented that the tyres would be quality Chaoyang and Double Coin tyres that met the specifications agreed in the contract.
The second count alleges that the accused obtained the same 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 according to the agreement.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken as the matter is being handled as committal proceedings. Magistrate Jah informed the prosecution that the matter would be treated as a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Defence counsel I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq. applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, arguing that the accused were reputable businesspeople who had never appeared before the court and that reliable sureties were available.
Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences, and remanded the two accused at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.
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