By Hannah Sanusie
Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong representatives of Sinotruck have been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown by Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of Pademba Road court No1 on two count charges to wit conspiracy to defraud, contrary to law and obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916
According to the particulars of offence on the 26th April 2025 at 8 Kallon Drive Aberdeen the Western Area in Freetown both defendants allegedly conspired together with other persons associated with Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited in China to defraud Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited of the sum of fifty four thousand eight hundred and twenty five United States Dollars (US$54,825.00) by dishonestly inducing the complainant to pay for 270 tyres through the alleged false representation that the tyres to be supplied would be quality chaoyang and Double coin tyres confirming to the agreed contractual specifications.
Count two further stated that on the above date and place both defendants with intent to defraud obtained from Hong Kong What Group Co Limited and Yang Ruilan, the sum of fifty four thousand eight hundred and twenty five United States Dollars($54,825.00) by falsely pretending that their company, Sinotruck International Capital Co Limited would supply the said items.
When the charges were read and explained to both defendants no plea was taken because it is a committal proceeding. Magistrate Jah told the prosecutor that he is treating the matter as Preliminary Investigation (PI).
Counsel representing both defendants I.Turay Esq and M.A Fahad Esq renewed and adopted his previous bail application on behalf of both defendants
Meanwhile, Magistrate Jah granted bail to all defendants and adjourned the matter to the 12th of October, 2026.