A 21-YEAR-OLD businessman was on Thursday charged and released on $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly swindling three men of over $5.8M.

Michael Sonaram of Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt was charged with three counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Particulars of the first charge alleges that between September 1 and September 30 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud he obtained the sum of $25,000 from Hamid Singh under the pretence that he was in a position to grant Singh an identification card.

It is further alleged that between September 1 and September 30 at Georgetown, Sonaram with intent to defraud obtained the sum of $5.5M from Hamid Singh under the pretence that he was in a position to import a motor pick-up, property of Akash Singh.

Lastly, the court heard that between September 1 and September 30 at Georgetown, Sonaram obtained the sum of $300,000 from Hamid Singh under the pretence that he was in a position to grant him a firearm licence and a firearm.

Sonaram pleaded not guilty and was released on $150,000 bail. The matter is adjourned until January 11.