KINGSTON, Jamaica — A man who faces multiple charges in connection with a US$10,000 currency conversion scam is scheduled to stand trial on June 11.
Raheem King will answer to charges of larceny by trick and conspiracy to commit larceny by trick.
King’s bail was extended on Tuesday when he appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.
According to the prosecution, the complainant went to a car dealership to convert over $1 million into US dollars. There, he met a man— currently being sought by police— with whom he allegedly arranged a currency exchange. This man reportedly had a phone conversation about the exchange rate and subsequently gave the complainant King’s contact details.
The transaction allegedly took place, after which the man asked the complainant for a lift to Emancipation Park. Upon arrival, the man reportedly entered a white BMW A250, which was being driven by King.
“After the transaction, Your Honour, the gentleman asked me to drop him at Emancipation Park. I dropped him off and waited a little while because I wanted to ensure he was safe— still unaware that I had a bag full of one-dollar notes. The money had been switched,” the complainant told the court.
“I reported the matter to the police when I realised the money was counterfeit,” she added.
Judge Burrell questioned what evidence the prosecution had that directly linked King to the alleged fraud.
“For everything brought before any court, you must have proof—evidence,” she stated to the investigating officer. “In a criminal court, you must not only prove that the accused committed or participated in the act, but also provide solid evidence. Telling me the complainant spoke to someone on the phone doesn’t prove who that person was. The complainant could have been speaking to anyone—even another con artist. Unless it was a video call showing the accused’s face and voice, we can’t verify the identity.”
The complainant insisted King was involved, stating he was the individual who collected the suspect at Emancipation Park. Nonetheless, Judge Burrell held that the Crown’s case lacked sufficient proof to show King’s participation in the fraud.
She also criticised the nature of the transaction itself, remarking that such a large cash exchange should never have occurred in that manner. In a striking comment, she suggested the complainant should have also been charged.
During the proceedings, a request was also made by Burrell for the release of King’s vehicle, which had been seized by police as part of the ongoing investigation.
— Vanassa McKenzie
