Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, have been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1. They are representatives of Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited and are facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretences. The alleged offence occurred on April 26, 2025, at 8 Kallon Drive, Aberdeen, in Freetown.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly conspired with other individuals associated with Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited in China to defraud Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited of US$54,825. The money was paid for the supply of 270 tyres after the accused allegedly represented that the tyres would be quality Chaoyang and Double Coin tyres that met the specifications agreed in the contract.
The second count alleges that the accused obtained the same US$54,825 from Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited and Yang Ruilan by falsely representing that Sinotruck International Capital Co. Limited would supply the tyres according to the agreement. When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken because the matter is being handled as committal proceedings.
Magistrate Jah subsequently informed the prosecution that the matter would be treated as a Preliminary Investigation (PI). Defence counsel I. Turay Esq. and M.A. Fahad Esq. applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, arguing that the accused had never previously appeared before the court and were businesspeople employed by a reputable company.
The defence also submitted that reliable sureties were available to enter recognisance on their behalf and that the accused were unaware of the circumstances that led to their appearance before the court. However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences.
The two accused were subsequently remanded at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Facility pending further proceedings. The case is ongoing, with the court yet to determine the next course of action.
This incident highlights the efforts of the Sierra Leone judiciary to tackle alleged economic crimes, particularly those involving foreign nationals. The case will likely continue to garner attention as it progresses through the court system.
Key points
- Two Chinese nationals, Jai Qibin and Zhou Rong, have been remanded in prison in Freetown over an alleged US$54,825 tyre fraud.
- The accused allegedly conspired to defraud Hong Kong What Group Co. Limited of US$54,825 by misrepresenting the quality of tyres to be supplied.
- The court has refused the accused's bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences.
