A Cameroonian businessman who accused of obtaining USD 130,000 equivalent to Sh19.5 million from an Iranian national while pretending to be in a position to supply mega tonnes of green coffee beans from Kenya to Iran was released on a Sh3 million bond and two sureties of similar amount.
Milimani Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina at the same time ordered the accused Fritz Bwangai Sah to deposit his travelling documents in court pending the hearing and the determination of the case.
The magistrate declined to grant him an alternative of cash bail, saying bond term is reasonable to ensure the accused attends court to the end.
The prosecution alleges that Bwangai falsely pretended that he was in a position to supply 57,000 mega tonnes of green coffee beans from Kenya to Iran.
It is alleged that he committed the offence on diverse dates between May 1, 2023 and January 30, 2024, at an unknown place jointly with others not before court.
The charge sheet stated that he committed the offence with intent to defraud and obtained USD 130,000 equivalent to Sh19,500,000 from Mahdi Afsharpanah.
He is further charged with conspiracy to defraud Mahdi of the money by pretending that he would supply the green coffee beans.
While opposing the bond application, the prosecution told the court that the accused person is a flight risk since he has been on the run since June 2023 after discovering that he was being sought by the police.
Additionally, the prosecution told the court that Bwangai is a frequent traveller according to his passport and that he was unlikely to show up in court if freed on bond.
