UBA Banker Faces Court Over Alleged $11,724 Fraud Scheme

Freetown, Sierra Leone  A banker, Finda Francess Mansaray, is facing trial at the Freetown Magistrate Court for allegedly defrauding a client of $11,724 under false pretenses. Mansaray, who resides at Malama Regent Road, has been charged with obtaining money by false pretense and fraudulent conversion under the Larceny Act of 1916.

During the proceedings, the prosecution’s key witness, Jaria Sow, a fellow banker residing at 4C Off Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, testified about her dealings with the accused. She explained that she came into contact with Mansaray through her husband, Kamanda Mansaray, who had previously assisted her with shipping goods from China to Sierra Leone.

According to Sow’s testimony, on November 1, 2023, Kamanda Mansaray proposed a business transaction involving the shipment of 400 plastic chairs, 40 plastic tables, five rolls of carpet grass, and two tents. The total cost for the goods was set at $8,500, with an initial shipping fee of $3,140, bringing the total to $11,724.

After agreeing to the deal, Sow later learned that the shipping cost had increased to $6,600. Despite the adjustment, she proceeded with the transaction and, on February 10, 2024, handed over $3,200 to the accused at her office. A receipt was issued and signed as proof of payment.

On February 20, 2024, Sow made the final shipping payment to Mansaray, receiving another receipt, which was tendered in court as Exhibit A. However, despite receiving the full amount, the accused allegedly failed to deliver the goods or provide any explanation for the delay.

Sow later discovered that the container carrying her goods had been demolished, further complicating the situation. On March 4, 2024, Kamanda Mansaray reached out to her again, requesting an additional $3,300 for customs clearance. Suspicious of the demand, Sow refused, insisting that she had already made full payment but had received nothing in return.

As weeks passed without any response or communication from the accused, Sow decided to take legal action. On March 10, 2024, she reported the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), prompting an investigation that led to the current court proceedings.

The case has been adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further hearing.