Two fraudsters jailed

Two African men, aged 29 and 28, were sentenced to imprisonment of 26 months and 27 months respectively for offences related to Nigerian fraud at the District Court today (January 13).

The court heard that a male victim was first contacted by the29-year-old defendant through unsolicited emails. The victim was induced by way of promise of handsome commission if he could assist to transport some valuables out of the country left by a deceased African General. Responding to the emails, the victim was requested to pay for various administrative fees in advance before the valuables could be transported out of the country.

On August 12, 2005, the 29-year-old defendant falsely representing himself to be a diplomatic courier from West Africa and contacted the victim. He claimed to have arrived Hong Kong with the valuables. Feeling suspicious, the potential victim made a report to the Police.

On the same day, the two defendants showed up for a meeting with the potential victim in a hotel in Wan Chai and demanded a delivery fee of USD $6,750. They were arrested by the undercover officers of the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) during the meeting. The 28-year-old defendant was also arrested for assaulting police officer in the course of the arrest.

False documents including forged staff card and delivery order forms were found in their possession and further investigations revealed that both defendants did not have valid proof of identity documents.

The two defendants were jointly charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud and one count of possession of false instrument. The first defendant was also charged with one count of unlawfully remaining in Hong Kong while the second defendant was also charged with one count of assaulting a police officer and unlawfully remaining in Hong Kong on August 14, 2005.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to their charges and their sentences were meted out today in the District Court.

Police appealed to the members of the public to be cautious when they receive any unsolicited offers by means of promising rewards on payment of any advanced fee. The public is strongly advised not to respond to such offers and to report to the Police if in doubt.


Police Report No. 8
Issued by PPRB

End/ Friday, January 13, 2006