A man was yesterday charged with misappropriating half a million dollars given to him to purchase a boat engine.
Andre Goveia was admitted to bail in the sum of $100,000, after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on an indictable charge of fraudulent conversion.
The allegation against Goveia is that on December 3, 2010, being solely entrusted by Eon Rodrigues with $500,000, to purchase a Perkins engine and return it to Rodrigues, he fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.
Goveia, of 101 Waterloo Street, was not required to plead to the charge.
The prosecution told the court that the parties are known to each other. After the cash was handed over and Goveia failed to deliver the engine, Rodrigues became suspicious that something was amiss.
After repeatedly being unable to contact Goveia, he then made a police report that led to Goveia’s arrest.
The prosecution had no objection to the accused being granted bail but requested that it be in a substantial sum to ensure that he returns to stand trial.
After being granted bail, Goveia was ordered to return to court on February 1.
