Detectives assigned to the Kingston Western Police Division charged an auto mechanic with conspiracy to defraud and attempt to obtain money by false pretence in relation to an incident that occurred on Third Street, Kingston on Wednesday, January 10.
He is 31-year-old Giovani Francis, otherwise called ‘Geico’, an auto mechanic of Delmar district, Drax Hall, St. Ann.
Reports from the Denham Town Police are that about 3:10 p.m., Francis contacted a man by telephone purporting to be a government minister. While pretending to be the minister— in conversation, Francis claimed he could purchase two Toyota Prado motor vehicles at an upcoming auction at a reduced rate.
Francis further claimed that the only money the man should pay is the customs and storage fees amounting to JMD 2.5 million.
The would-be scam victim then raised suspicion and decided to contact the government minister, whom Francis was pretending to be. After hearing this level of arrangement, the minister denied the claim that was levied against him— he also confirmed that this activity was a scam and encouraged the man to contact the police.
Subsequently, a report was made to the police and Francis was arrested during an operation. He was charged after he underwent a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney.
His court date has not been finalised.
