Nigerian national remanded for allegedly swindling over $6.1M from women

Nigerian national, Uche Raymond Okoye, known as ‘Uche Parker’, who is accused of running a criminal scheme in Guyana, was on Wednesday arraigned in court for swindling over $6.1 million from two women.

Okoye appeared virtually before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the 10 charges.

Particulars of the charge alleged that between October 15 and November 16, 2020, at Georgetown with intent to defraud, he obtained from Suruj Dei Balkaran, $6,059,900, and $500,000 from another woman by falsely claiming that he was in possession of a package intended to be sent to them.

Okoye was remanded to prison until March 17, 2021.

According to reports, Okoye solicited funds from the two victims after he befriended them on Facebook under a fake name. He reportedly informed that they would be receiving a package containing the latest gadgets and electronic devices.

After trading contact information, Okoye messaged the women via WhatsApp and told them about money needed for the delivery of the package. However, after the monies were paid through bank transfers and Western Union, Okoye claimed that there was a complication in the transaction which required more cash to be sent.

Okoye is currently on remand before another City Magistrate Leron Daly on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence, demanding money by menace and that entering Guyana illegally.

Okoye is suspected of being part of a criminal network involving Nigerian nationals who collaborate with other associates and solicit cash from their victims by promising high-valued merchandise to be delivered following the payment.