AN astrologer became the victim of a $180,000 rip-off after he was fooled into renting an apartment, which he was never able to occupy.The landlord, Chandra Paul, who is charged with obtaining credit by false pretence, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, who granted him $75,000 bail.
He is expected to return to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court on September 15, for statements and fixture.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Godfrey Playter, said that on March 6, 2014, Ashok Kumar, an astrologer, met the defendant and enquired of him about house rentals.
Kumar is alleged to have indicated that he had an upper flat for rent at the cost of $90,000 per month. The tenant would however be expected to pay two months’ rent in advance.
Kumar agreed to the terms of rental, but after paying $180,000, the landlord became evasive, and would not issue a receipt.
Subsequently, after Kumar was unable to make contact with the defendant, a report was made at the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Paul, an overseas-based Guyanese, had returned to the United States where he was informed by his common-law wife that he was being sought by the police. He in turn sent US$200 equivalent to $40,000 via a money transfer, which was handed over to the police.
According to the defendant, he did not receive $180,000, but $40,000.
The matter has been fixed for statements and fixture on September 15.