COLOMBIAN Freddy Riveria Vargas appeared on Friday before city magistrate Judy Latchman, accused of defrauding the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) of more than $1.8 million by the use of fake ATM Cards.The 42-year-old retired major from the Colombian Army, who has six other matters of a similar nature pending before the court since July, was yesterday not required to plead to an additional 12 counts of simple larceny.

Those charges detailed that on July 17, while in Lethem, Rupununi, he stole $120,000 from the GBTI branch there, and further withdrew $230,000 later.
On July 18, at the GBTI Water Street branch in Georgetown, he withdrew $90,000 from the ATM.

On Sunday, July 19, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole a sum totalling $430,000 cash from the GBTI when he twice made withdrawals from the ATM using fake cards. On that Sunday, he withdrew from the GBTI Providence branch ATM the sum of $160,000; and he later withdrew $60,000 from the GBTI Vreed-en-Hoop branch on that Sunday as well.

On Monday, July 20, at Providence, he withdrew $160,000 cash from the GBTI ATM, while he also scammed $90,000 from the GBTI branch at the Ashmin’s Mall on High Street.

On July 21, he withdrew $360,000 and $140,000 respectively from the GBTI branch in Bagotstown and Water Street.
Attorney-at-law Ms. Latchmie Rahamat, in association with attorney Mr. Peter Hugh, represent the defendant. Ms Rahamat explained that her client was visiting Guyana, but was arrested at the Princess Hotel. She added that Vargas is married, has two children, and was visiting Guyana for the first time.

Rahamat asked the court to consider placing the Colombian on reasonable bail on ground that the offence is bailable.

The lawyer also revealed that Vargas has pending matters before Magistrate Ann McLennan and was released on bail, therefore he could not afford a large bail now.

Inspector Vishnu Hunt objected to Vargas being granted bail because the Colombian national has no ties to Guyana, and is deemed a flight risk. The prosecutor indicated that the defendant is currently being fingered in more GBTI ATM scams across Guyana, and charges are likely to be laid in addition to his six pending matters before Magistrate McLennan and the 12 charges he was now facing.

After considering both the defence and prosecution arguments, the magistrate refused the accused bail and adjourned the matter to September 25.

Cameras attached to the bank branches had reportedly captured the image of a person, who was identified as this defendant, committing the acts. On the day of his arrest, July 21, the Colombian was seen by a security guard about to make another withdrawal, and the police were present on the scene. He was found with other ATM cards in his possession at the time of his arrest.

By Clestine Juan