By Janet A. Sesay
Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, representatives of Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited, have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1.
The two defendants are facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law, and obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on April 26, 2025, at No. 8 Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, in the Western Area of Freetown, the defendants allegedly conspired with other persons associated with Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited in China to defraud Hong Kong Group Co. Limited of US$54,825.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants dishonestly induced the complainant to pay the said amount for 270 tyres, by allegedly representing that the tyres to be supplied would be quality Chaoyang and Double Coin tyres conforming to the agreed contractual specifications.
Count two further alleges that, on the same date and at the same place, the defendants, with intent to defraud, obtained US$54,825 from Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited and Yang Ruilan by falsely representing that Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited would supply the tyres in accordance with the agreement.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken, as the matter is being treated as a committal proceeding.
Magistrate Jah subsequently informed the prosecution that he was treating the matter as a Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Counsel representing the defendants, I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq., applied for bail on their behalf.
Counsel submitted that the accused persons had never previously appeared before the court and were business people working for a reputable institution. He further told the court that they had reliable sureties who were willing to enter into recognisance on their behalf.
Counsel also submitted that the defendants were unaware of the circumstances leading to their appearance in court and made the application pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
However, Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 5, 2026 for further proceedings, while both defendants were remanded at the Male Correctional Centre.