NBS $69M fraud PI

Special prosecutor Hukumchand in the fraud case involving the three former NBS managers yesterday asked for a two-week adjournment saying that new developments have arisen which may impact upon the case.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the conspiracy-to-defraud case against three former top managers is taking place in Court Three before Magistrate Nyasha Williams-Hatmin. The case involves Maurice Arjoon of 1-2 La Fleur Road, Eccles (Director-Secretary); Kissoon Baldeo, 38, of 86 Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara (Assistant Mortgage Manager) and Kent Vincent of 1247 Canje Pheasant Lane, South Ruimveldt (Operations Manager).

Hukumchand who arrived late at court yesterday stated that he thought that the case was for today. He requested an adjournment of two weeks stating that there is an investigation into new developments which may have an impact on the case.

The request by the prosecutor had all three defence attorneys responding differently. Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos objected to the adjournment saying that it was too long. Basil Williams enquired about the developments and whether it would impact positively on his client’s case and lead to the case being dismissed while Anil Nandlall stated that the prosecutor was now asking for the adjournment because he finally realized that his client is innocent.

The magistrate granted the adjournment and then asked about the authorities which the attorneys were supposed to turn over to her so that she could rule on whether there will be a single PI. The attorneys on the last occasion had requested a single PI although there were four charges before the court. They all indicated that on the next occasion this would be done.

Hukumchand stated yesterday that the charges could not be joined. The magistrate is expected to rule on the matter on the next occasion.

The PI started two weeks ago with one witness Atma Lall Rajaram, the audit manager who began his testimony. He is to return on the next date.

The police recently detained three persons as investigations into the $69M fraud continued.

The three former managers are accused of conspiracy to defraud the society of the same amount.

They will return to court on October 23.