Afriyie's arrest at Kotoka International Airport on June 4, 2023, as he attempted to flee to Dubai, marked a significant breakthrough in the case.
In a significant development, four additional suspects, Nicholas Nii Sai, Nana Kwesi Gyimah, Joseph Anim, and Othniel Amankwah Darkwah, who are believed to have conspired with a bank worker to allegedly steal GH¢1.2 million from customers' accounts, appeared before an Accra Circuit Court today.
These individuals, previously mentioned as suspects, had been sought by the police. While their pleas were not taken, they have been granted bail and are scheduled to reappear in court on June 29, 2023. With their appearance, the number of accomplices who have reported to the police now stands at 12.
At the same time, investigators are actively pursuing four other suspects, Kwame Owusu Boadu, Daniel Osei, Boadu Nana Yaw Adjei, and Clinton Asamoah, who are allegedly connected to the case.
Alongside Emmanuel Sakyi Afriyie, the lead accused and former bank employee, they are accused of stealing over GH¢1.2 million from customers' accounts without their consent. Afriyie stands charged with conspiracy and 12 counts of stealing, while the additional suspects face similar charges.
The case unfolded when Afriyie, a contract worker at the bank, allegedly used customers' user identities and passwords to withdraw funds from their accounts without authorization.
Among the victims were a former Inspector General of Police and a deceased judge. Prosecutors claim that Afriyie transferred the stolen funds to the accounts of his alleged accomplices.
During the court proceedings, the lead prosecutor outlined the events leading up to the discovery of the alleged theft. Afriyie initially paid for an online coding course using a bank customer's Visa card instead of his own funds. As suspicion grew, the bank's fraud team detected unauthorized access to customer accounts, prompting an investigation.
It was revealed that Afriyie had changed contact information and set up internet and mobile banking access for certain accounts, allowing him to transfer substantial sums of money to various individuals, including his co-conspirators.
Despite Afriyie's attempts to evade justice by tendering his resignation, the bank's officials became increasingly suspicious.
The investigation uncovered a series of fraudulent transactions totaling GH¢945,133.00, with Afriyie transferring funds to different accounts, including those of his accomplices. Moreover, he allegedly manipulated contact numbers associated with several accounts, making it difficult for victims to detect the unauthorized activities.
Afriyie's arrest at Kotoka International Airport on June 4, 2023, as he attempted to flee to Dubai, marked a significant breakthrough in the case. The subsequent court appearances of additional suspects have further broadened the investigation, shedding light on the extent of the alleged conspiracy.
As the case continues to unfold, the prosecution has requested more time to modify the charge sheet before taking the pleas of the newly appeared suspects. With the court granting bail to all the accused individuals, the trial will resume on June 29, 2023.
This complex and evolving case highlights the importance of robust security measures and vigilant monitoring to prevent fraudulent activities in the banking sector.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are determined to bring all individuals involved in the alleged theft to justice, ensuring accountability and safeguarding customers' trust in the banking system.
Source: Tellusghana|| Naa Lamley
