Former Cop accused of defrauding Police Force

A former officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was on Friday slapped with nine fraud-related charges after he allegedly swindled almost $500,000 by pretending that he was entitled to travel allowance.

Tamesh Dhanraj, 35 of Hampton Court, Essequibo made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Particulars of the charges alleged that between July 4, 2017, and May 25, 2018, at Ann Regina, with intent to defraud, Dhanraj obtained the sum of $471,470 from the Police Force by pretending that he was entitled to travel allowance to conduct official duties.

Dhanraj was represented by Attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat who argued for bail.

The lawyer said that Dhanraj resigned from the GPF during the month of September 2018 after the matter came to light.

She said an investigation was launched as a result of an audit in 2018 and at the time her client was the Financial Officer in charge of the finance section of the Anna Regina Police Station.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers objected to bail on the grounds that Dhanraj travelled to the United States during the investigation.

He was arrested upon his return to Guyana. The Prosecutor said that the accused was discharged from the Force after he illegally withdrew himself.

The Prosecutor further noted that there is still a pending investigation of similar matters against Dhanraj.

The Chief Magistrate, however, released Dhanraj on a total of $225,000 bail and transferred the matter to the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court for March 13, 2019.