COLOMBIAN national Freddy Riveria Vargas appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer six counts of simple larceny related to fake ATM cards.The 43-year-old pleaded not guilty to all the charges, one of which detailed that on Friday, July 17, at Lethem in Central Rupununni, he stole $90,000 from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI).

Another charge alleged that on Saturday, July 18, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole $210,000 cash from the GBTI.
Another charge alleged that on Sunday, July 19, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, he stole $90,000 cash from the GBTI.

Another charge detailed that on Sunday, July 19, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole $80,000 cash from the GBTI.

Also, on Monday, July 20, at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, he stole $250,000 cash from the GBTI.

Then on Tuesday, July 21, at Bagotstown, EBD, he stole $330,000 cash from the GBTI.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Peter Hugh, in association with attorney Ms. Latchmie Rahamat, represented the defendant.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones informed the court that statements are still outstanding, but he said that all investigations should be completed in two weeks’ time.

Defence counsel Hugh asserted that his client was visiting Guyana, but was arrested at the Princess Hotel. He added that Vargas is married, has two children, and was visiting Guyana for the first time.

The lawyer noted that his client’s passport is in police custody, and he accordingly poses no flight risk.

Hugh asked the court to consider placing the Colombian on reasonable bail on ground that the offence is bailable, but the
Prosecutor, Mr Jones, indicated that the defendant has neither family nor ties to Guyana, and the fact that he was staying at Princess Hotel clearly states that he has no fixed place of abode.

Jones further noted that the camera had captured the image of a person who was identified as the defendant. On the day of his arrest, the Colombian was seen by a security guard about to make another withdrawal, and the police was present on scene. He was found with other ATM cards in his possession at the time of his arrest.

After considering both the defence and prosecution arguments, the magistrate refused the accused bail and adjourned the matter to August 10. (Geeta Rampersaud)