Fifty-nine years-old, Tarine Fairman, a business man based in the United States of America made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown.

He stood up in court on three count charges to wit conspiracy to defraud contrary to law, forgery contrary to law.

According to the particulars of offence on diverse dates between February 2021 and December 2023 in Freetown, he conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a felony to wit forgery.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the accused forged certain document indicating as coming from a company, DDF F-TCH Africa Sierra Leone Limited.

That is according to a status report dated 24th January 2020.

Count three further stated that on the same date and place the accused fraudulent converted to his own use or benefit certain property, a total sum of two million nine hundred and twenty four thousand seven hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($2,924,730) meant for mining operations in Kono District.

When the matter was mentioned in court, the accused person was absent.

The prosecutor Chief Superintendent of police Juan M.S Bull, Assistant Superintendent of police Ibrahim S Mansaray and the associating counsel Jessie M Jengo applied for bench warrant against the accused who was absent.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura granted the application and adjourned the matter to the 23rd July 2024.