By Mamajah Jalloh
A 46-year-old businessman from Guinea, Luke Foromo Bereteh, made another appearance on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, facing two charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses contrary to Sierra Leonean law.
The charges stem from allegations that between January 1, 2020, and October 6, 2024, in Freetown, Bereteh, in collaboration with unknown individuals, intentionally defrauded Ishmael Kondeh of $300,000, equivalent to NLe 720,000,000. Prosecutors allege that Bereteh falsely claimed he would engage in gold mining and return the money, fully aware of the falsehood.
When the charges were read, Bereteh pleaded not guilty. Assistant Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, representing the prosecution, requested a short adjournment due to the absence of a key witness.
Magistrate Bangura granted bail to the accused, setting stringent conditions. Bereteh’s bail was fixed at one billion leones, with two sureties who must be property owners in the Western Area. Each property must have a minimum value of NLe 500,000,000. Additionally, the sureties must hold active bank accounts containing no less than NLe 500,000,000. The bail terms are subject to approval by the Master and Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter has been adjourned to December 4, 2024, for further proceedings.
Bereteh remains at the center of this high-profile case, which underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to tackling financial fraud and upholding justice.
