GOPAUL Tiwari, 56, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday last, charged with obtaining money under false pretenses in a $6.4 million land fraud case. Tiwari is accused of deceiving Theodore Craig by falsely claiming ownership of a plot of land and accepting payment between May 8 and May 13, 2024.
According to the prosecution, Tiwari convinced Craig to purchase the land, posing as the legitimate owner. Craig, who had previously worked with Tiwari and trusted him, stated in court that he paid US$1,000 weekly for the property before realising he had been duped.

He provided transaction records and documentation to support his claim. Tiwari, however, denied the charge. His defence attorney argued that Tiwari had no prior convictions or outstanding legal matters, claiming the charges were the result of a personal dispute between the two men.
The prosecution countered, highlighting Tiwari’s history of similar fraudulent activities and expressing concerns that he might commit another crime if granted bail. The prosecutor noted that Tiwari has been charged with related offences in the past.

Despite the prosecutor’s objections, Magistrate Mc Gusty granted Tiwari bail in the amount of $300,000, with the condition that he refrain from contacting Craig.
The case was adjourned to October 16, 2024. Tiwari is also facing additional fraud charges in other magistrates’ courts. Reports stated that in 2016, he was sentenced to 54 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, and using forged documents in another land-related scam.