Michael Anderson, a visa agent, has been granted GH¢32,000 bail with two sureties by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly engaging in GH¢31,750 visa fraud.
The accused, allegedly defrauded 27 people, under the pretext of obtaining visa for them to travel to the United States of America (USA), Canada and United Kingdom (UK).
Anderson, who was charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretences contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, Act 29/60, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) George Amegah told the court presided by Mrs. Ruby Naa Ayikai Aryeetey that the accused collected GH¢5,750 from Patrick Amissah in February, to help him secure visa to travel to USA.
According to him, the wife of the complainant, Mrs. Mina Amissah Quartey, told her friends numbering 26, about the supposed good news and they paid GH¢1,000 each for a visa.
DSP Amegah said Anderson promised to obtain visa for them in two weeks, but he failed to do so and went into hiding.
He said the case was reported to the police and the accused was arrested.
The court heard that Anderson admitted the offence in his caution statement, but said he collected GH¢17,750.00 and not GH¢32,750.00. DSP Amegah said investigations revealed there was no such travel arrangement and acquisition of visa.
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