By Alimatu Kargbo
A man accused of masterminding a fake US visa deal worth $92,000 has appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Court No.2. He is facing five count charges, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, and uttering forged documents.
The accused Andrew Danny Stephans Lahai was arrested on 14th July 2025 after allegedly defrauding one business woman Isata Koroma between April and May 2025.
Prosecutor A.S Wellington informed the court that Lahai promised to secure US visas and arrange travel for Koroma’s relatives, but instead forged documents and pocketed the money.
The Charges are Count 1: Conspiracy to defraud; Counts 2 & 3: Obtaining money by false pretences – $21,000 on 4th April and $71,000 on 20th April 2025; Count 4: Forgery of a US visa in the name of Esther Bintu Samba; Count 5: Uttering a forged US visa, knowing same to be fake.
During his testimony, witness Alfred Inga Bangura, an IT specialist from Kissy Road, told the court that Isata Koroma is his elder sister. He recalled being present on 4th April when Koroma’s son, Simbo, delivered $21,000 to the accused at Campbell Street.
According to Bangura, Lahai issued and signed a receipt, which was witnessed by Simbo, Mariama, and himself. The witness presented a soft copy of the receipt in court for examination.
Defence Counsel A.R. Blah applied for bail on behalf of Lahai, but the application was refused. The Magistrate adjourned the matter to 14th August 2025 for further proceedings.
If convicted, Lahai could face lengthy imprisonment under Sierra Leone’s anti-fraud and forgery laws.
