Lethem businessman denies fraudulently converting US$1,700

A Lethem businessman who was charged with fraudulently converting US$1,700 to his own personal use appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The court was told that 36-year-old Arvindo Krishnalall was given US$1,700 ($340,000) by wildlife exporter Naresh Tika to convert to Guyana currency. The defendant allegedly converted the money to his own personal use and when he was confronted by the Virtual Complainant (VC) Krishnalall gave Tika a cheque but when the VC went to cash it there was not enough money in the account so the matter was reported to the police.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $200,000 bail and the matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrates’ Court for December 6.