Convict remanded over $5M fraud

Jun 29, 2016 News

A convicted fraudster was yesterday remanded to prison after he was accused of obtaining almost $5M by false pretence, when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Neil Benjamin, 51, of Section C, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara was slapped with four charges, to all of which he entered not guilty pleas.
It is alleged that between December 30, 2012 and November 26, 2014 at Lot 293 Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, he obtained $4.9 million from Erick Jones by falsely pretending that he had contractual work with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL); Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); Gafoors Limited and Hoyte Blackman Television (HBTV /Channel 9), knowing same to be false.
The monies are the property of Menza Samuels.
When asked if he had anything to say in relation to the allegations, the father of three denied telling the complainants that he had any contractual work with the companies mentioned in the charge.
Benjamin claimed that he made no arrangements with Erick Jones. He said that he and the complainant’s brother, Dennis Jones, were business partners.
However, the defendant told the Magistrate that he had already began paying back the monies.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru objected to bail for Benjamin based on the fact that he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment back in 2012 on a similar charge.
Mangru pointed out that the defendant also has pending matters of a similar nature in the East Demerara Magisterial District.
According to the Prosecutor, should Benjamin be released on bail there is a likelihood he might not return to court for trial. Mangru said that investigations are still ongoing in the matter.
This matter has been adjourned until July 22, for reports.

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