‘HDC’ scam artist in court

The court heard that he promised to provide two HDC homes to a representative of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) once the person made a down payment of $1,200. He was arrested last Friday during a sting operation that involved Snr Supt Mohammed, Supt Pragg, ASP Ali, Insp Pooran, Sgts Ramlogan and Seepersad, Cpl Nanan and PC Mitchell at a commercial bank in Princes Town. The victim, the court heard had handed over a quantity of money with her markings to the man who was then taken to the nearby Princes Town Police Station where he was subsequently charged with the offence.

It was reported that around 10.30 am last Friday, a 31-yearold woman, identified as a director of an NGO that assists poor families, had a telephone conversation with the accused who told her he was an engineer.

For a down payment of $1,200, he said he could provide her with two houses. The woman made a report to the Princes Town Police Station and enquiries were conducted. Police said facts revealed that the accused is not employed with the HDC and is not in a position to provide houses. PC Mitchell of the Princes Town Police Station laid the charge.