$250,000 bail for $28M fraud accused

A former staff member of BK Quarries, yesterday denied a charge which alleged that he had embezzled over $28 million from the said company.

The courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, heard that between July 20 and September 13, at Georgetown, Tolaram Ramchand, 25, of Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, while being employed as a clerk or servant at BK Quarries,  fraudulently embezzled $28,571,235, taking the money for himself in the name of his employer BK Quarries Incorporated. Ramchand pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

According to Ramchand’s lawyer, his client who is currently unemployed is not a flight risk, and has been co-operating with the police during their investigations. The lawyer also told the court that his client is innocent of the offence, and intends on clearing his name. He also mentioned that Ramchand while in police custody was granted station bail, and asked the court to do the same.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers had no objections to bail being granted to the accused, but under the conditions that he lodges his passport and presents himself at the Fraud Department at Eve Leary, every Friday until the completion of trial.

The chief magistrate granted the accused $250,000 bail, and ordered him to comply with the conditions requested by the prosecutor. The matter was adjourned until December 5 for report.