Expedite investigation-Court tells prosecution in forex trader case
By DL News
Published
1 min read
Benjamin Appiah Boateng, the accused, allegedly obtained $300,000 and GH¢10,445,000 from Berry Kwadwo Agyapong and David Burke under the guise of investing their money in UDST and Binance cryptocurrency platforms.
The Accra Circuit Court Nine has instructed the police to speed up their investigation into a case involving a 35-year-old forex trader accused of duping two individuals through fraudulent online investment schemes.
Benjamin Appiah Boateng, the accused, allegedly obtained $300,000 and GH¢10,445,000 from Berry Kwadwo Agyapong and David Burke under the guise of investing their money in UDST and Binance cryptocurrency platforms.
Judge Samuel Bright Acquah presided over the case but did not take Boateng’s plea, as he faces charges of theft and fraud. The court has adjourned the case to February 5, 2025, ordering Boateng to appear on the scheduled date.
According to Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, the complainants, David Burke, a businessman, and Berry Agyapong, a business consultant, both reside in Accra. Boateng, who lives in Oyibi, was introduced to Burke by Agyapong, who had earlier invested $300,000 in the same platforms. Agyapong reportedly vouched for the credibility of the investments, convincing Burke to make an initial contribution of GH¢555,000.
Encouraged by assurances of lucrative returns, Burke later invested an additional GH¢9,890,000. Chief Inspector Lawer explained that Boateng regularly updated both complainants on the apparent success of their investments, claiming dividends were being paid as anticipated.
However, on December 14, 2024, Burke requested to withdraw his capital and accrued dividends, signaling his intention to exit the investment. It was at this point that Boateng allegedly began avoiding communication with both complainants. When Burke could not reach Boateng, he sought help from Agyapong, who also failed to get a response.
Boateng eventually sent Agyapong a WhatsApp voice note along with what appeared to be a suicide message. In the note, he reportedly admitted to losing the entire investment through gambling on an online platform called “Stake.”
The incident was subsequently reported to the police, leading to Boateng’s arrest. During interrogation, he is said to have confessed to the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, with the court awaiting additional updates on the case.
