A Penal businessman has pleaded guilty to two charges of obtaining goods through the use of dishonoured cheques following an investigation by police into allegations of financial fraud.
Ishwar Gopie appeared before the Siparia Second Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and entered guilty pleas to both charges.
The court granted Gopie bail in the sum of TT$20,000 with surety and adjourned the matter to June 25 for the presentation of facts and sentencing.
According to police, the charges stem from an operation conducted on Monday by officers under the coordination of senior and supervising ranks of the South Western Division.
During the exercise, officers went to San Francique Road, Penal, where a suspect was detained and later interviewed in connection with reports of fraudulent activity involving cheques that were allegedly issued and subsequently returned because of insufficient funds.
Investigators later charged Gopie on Tuesday with two counts of Obtaining Goods by Use of a Dishonoured Cheque.
Police said one charge relates to a cheque valued at TT$110,000, while the second concerns a cheque for TT$16,000.
The case is being handled as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address financial crimes and investigate reports of fraudulent transactions.
The Fraud Squad’s San Fernando Office is reminding members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting financial business and to take precautionary measures before entering transactions involving cheques or other forms of payment.
Police are also encouraging people who suspect fraudulent activity to make reports at the nearest police station as investigations into such matters continue.
