WASZIM Gafoor(no address given) was yesterday remanded to prison on a fraudulent conversion charge. He appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that, between November 1, and 30, 2011, being solely entrusted by Totaram Mohatoo with $1.6M to purchase building materials, he fraudulently converted same into his own use and benefit.
Police Sergeant Lionel Harvey, prosecuting, said the defendant was doing construction work on a property owned by the virtual complainant. He said the virtual complainant entrusted the defendant with $1.6M to purchase building materials.
Harvey said when Mohatoo tried to contact the defendant, he could not locate him. He said a report was made and Gafoor was arrested.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant admitted to the offence and agreed to settle the matter by repaying the virtual complainant.
However, Harvey said no money was paid over to the virtual complainant and the defendant keeps running away and moving from his address when Mohatoo contacts him.
The prosecutor objected to bail and stated that the defendant is a flight risk.
The defendant begged for bail and told the court that he removed from his address because the virtual complainant threatened to beat him up.
Bail was denied and the matter will be called today at the Sparendaam court.