Woman obtains K100,000 through false pretence

A WOMAN from Manus province alleged to have obtained large sums for money through false pretence appeared before the Waigani Committal courts yesterday.
Freda Ben, 41 from Kimoli village, Manus province, was charged with false pretence, alleged to con over 13 individuals for a substantive amount of money.
The court heard that Ben between the months of January and March, had conned various individuals at locations around Port Moresby that she had up to K2 million in her BSP account and she would double their interests when she repaid the borrowed money.
The largest amount Ben swindled amounted to more than K30,000 from a couple with the lowest being K500.
Ben is alleged to have fraudulently stolen more than K100,000.
She has been charged for false pretence contravening section 404 (1) (a) of the Criminal code Act, chapter 262.
On the matter of bail, police prosecutions have objected to bail due to the nature of the charge.
Prosecutions informed court the entire amount obtained through the alleged charge had not been recovered and Ben did not provide a permanent residential address.
On these grounds, Ben will be remanded in CIS custody; she has been advised to engage a lawyer for her bail applications.
Meanwhile, Ben will be remanded in CS custody until her next appearance in court.
The case has been adjourned to April 6 for mention.