American Businessman, Alexander Cesar Silva has again mounted the witness stand to continue his testimony in an alleged $37,000 fraud case (Le112.5million)
Silva who was led in testimony yesterday by Prosecution lawyer A Macaulay explained at the Freetown Magistrate Court No1 presided over by Magistrate Steven Conteh; that the accused Yusif Kamara who is docked on five count charges – ranging from conspiracy to defraud, to obtaining money under false pretences – introduced him to a man which the accused alleged was the “Deputy Mines Minister.”
“The man who was introduced as the Deputy Mines Minister, then sealed the goods [gold dust]…” the witness revealed to the court.
Silva also disclosed that he gave the alleged Deputy Mines Minister $ 1,000 for sealing the goods, adding that after the sealing of the goods a certificate of the accused company and the National Revenue Authority (NRA) payment tax receipt was shown to him.
The documents which Silva spoke about were presented for verification, after which tendered to the court as exhibit.
The witness furthered, “we went in contract agreement with M. Baimba who was introduced as a partner to the [accused] company,” adding that the accused then instructed M. Baimba to sign a contract with me, after which “I made a $ 36,000 transfer from my bank to Ecobank… the accused Afro Mineral Company account,” he disclosed.
At this juncture of the witness’s testimony, the prosecution called for adjournment, but defense lawyer Crispin Edwards protested saying that his client is a businessman stating that “justice should not only be done but be seen to be done.”
The defense lawyer said, “When I cross examine the witness then you will appreciate the true nature of the transaction…”
But notwithstanding the defense lawyer’s protest, the prosecution was granted an adjournment date.
The particulars of offence states that “between diverse dates 1st and 13th January 2007 the accused together with M. Baimba Kamara and others defrauded Alex Cesar the sum of $37,000 equivalent to Le 112.5 million
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