The Accra Circuit Court has remanded Benjamin Appiah Boateng, a 35-year-old forex trader, into police detention on counts of fraud and theft.
The accused is accused of defrauding Mr. Berry Kwadwo Agyapong and Mr. David Burke of $300,000 and GH₵10,445,000, respectively.
According to the court proceedings, Boateng, a resident of Oyibi, reportedly urged Mr Agyapong and Mr Burke to invest in cryptocurrency, specifically UDST, using sites like as Binance.
Boateng, who presented himself as a professional forex trader with a great investing track record, enticed the victims with promises of large rewards.
Mr. Agyapong, who initially invested $300,000, then introduced Mr. Burke, a businessman, to Boateng’s investment offer. Mr Burke initially invested GH₵555,000 and eventually increased his total investment to GH₵9,890,000, trusting Boateng’s promises of consistent returns and dividends.
However, when Mr Burke attempted to withdraw his money and profits, Boateng stopped replying to his messages. Mr Agyapong and Mr Burke attempted to contact Boateng several times, but were unable.
In a worrisome attempt to rationalize his conduct, Boateng allegedly sent the victims a WhatsApp voice message in which he admitted to gambling away their savings on an online platform called “Stake.” He also allegedly sent a suicide note, alarming the victims.
Mr Burke then filed a police report, which resulted in Boateng’s detention. During questioning, Boateng allegedly confessed to the crimes.
Mr Samuel Bright Acquah presided over the hearing, which saw Boateng remanded in detention because he did not make a plea. The case has been delayed until January 13, 2025, for further hearings.
