Procurement officer accused of defrauding friend of over $5.8M

A 21-year-old man who allegedly told his friend that he was in position to grant him a firearm, a motor pick-up and a National Identification Card, was thursday charged for defrauding the individual of over $5.8M. Michael Sonaram, a procurement officer, of 2273 Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to three counts of fraudrelated charges. The first charge read that between September 1 and September 30 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Sonaram fraudulently obtained the sum of $25,000 from Hamid Singh by falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant him a National Identification Card, knowing same to be false, property of Akash Singh. It was further alleged that between October 1 and October 31 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Sonaram obtained the sum of $300,000 from Hamid Singh by falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant him a firearm and a firearm license, knowing same to be false, property of Akash Singh. The last charge alleged that between October 1 and October 31 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $5.5 M from Hamid Singh by falsely pretending that he was in a position to import a motor pick-up, knowing same to be false. Sonaram’s lawyer asked that bail be granted to her client, citing that he has no previous charges or any conviction. The lawyer added that her client was kept in custody for two days and is currently helping police with their investigation. Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that conditions be attached. According to the Prosecutor, Sonaram worked as a procurement officer at his uncle’s company. He added that the uncle is a dredge owner.

The Magistrate ordered the defendant to post $150,000 bail. He was also instructed to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday until the completion of the trial.

He will make his next court appearance on January 11.

(Kaieteur News)