Court dismisses fraud charges against businessman

A COURT has dismissed fraud-related charges against a businessman because police prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence on the case.
Terry Malaisa, of Movehave village, Malalaua, Gulf province, was charged by Kokopo police last February after they alleged he falsely represented himself to be associated with the law firm Kusip Lawyers and Associates and made written agreements. Police also alleged that he represented himself as an employee of the law firm and obtained from a Bernard Kepa K170,000 with the intent to defraud Kepa.Malaisa owns a mobile phone company Mobile Solutions in Kokopo.Police further alleged that between Nov 1, 2011 and Dec 30, 2011, Malaisa obtained a letter-head from the law firm without its approval and made an agreement with a contractor.It was alleged that Malaisa told the contractor that he was a lawyer with the firm and was paid K170,000. The court adjourned the matter to May 29 to allow police to complete their investigations. They failed to do that.On June 19, committal court magistrate Cosmas Bidar was advised by police prosecutor Ambrose Gilio that the arresting officer in Kokopo had not completed the files.
Malaisa’s lawyer then applied to have the case struck out.  Bidar agreed that it had been more than three months since Malaisa was charged. He dismissed the case and ordered that the K1,000 bail money be refunded.
Malaisa said he was charged for something he did not commit as he had only provided services to Kepa and there was no criminal intent except to formalise a commercial transaction.
He is seeking further legal advice on the matter.