Fifty-six-year-old Gopaul Tiwari appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, charged with obtaining money under false pretence.
It was alleged that on Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 13, with intent to defraud, Tiwari obtained the sum of $6.4 million from Theodore Craig by falsely pretending to be the owner of a plot of land.
Tiwari pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor informed the magistrate that Tiwari has a history of similar offences and expressed concern that he might commit a similar crime if released on bail. The prosecution also disclosed that the victim, Craig, and Tiwari knew each other, having worked together in the past. Craig, who was present in court, told the magistrate that he had trusted Tiwari and believed he was purchasing the land. He explained that he had been paying Tiwari US$1,000 weekly as payment for the property but soon realised he had been deceived. Craig also stated that he had proof of all his transactions, along with other documents.
Tiwari’s attorney countered that his client had no prior convictions or pending matters, at least to his knowledge, and suggested the court action resulted from a disagreement between Tiwari and Craig.
After consideration, the magistrate granted bail in the sum of $300,000, with the condition that Tiwari not contact Craig under any circumstance.
The matter was adjourned to October 16.
