West Berbice man on trial for fraud, theft of over $16M

A West Coast Berbice man was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the Berbice High Court before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty, after he was charged with fraud and the theft of over $16 million from his former employer.

It is alleged that between February 12 and 16, 2013, Hemraj Singh Pahalad, of Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, who was a clerk or servant to Ramdial Ramoutar, fraudulently embezzled more than $3 million. This sum was taken into his possession from Sahidrul Satar, for or in the name of, or on the account of, his employer, Ramdial Ramoutar.

Additionally, during the same period, Pahalad is accused of embezzling an additional $3 million, taken from Karamdeo Mangru, for or in the name of, or on the account of, the same employer. Furthermore, between February 2 and 16, 2013, in Berbice, Pahalad, while serving as a clerk or servant to Ramdial Ramoutar, allegedly stole 200 bags of Thunderbolt 100-lb flour; 515 bags of 2kg flour; 311 bags of 1 kg flour; 3 bags of high fiber flour; and 22 bags of self-rising flour, valued at a total of $10,127,995.00, all in the possession or control of his employer.

Represented by attorney-at-law Charlyn Artiga, Pahalad pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

Following his plea, 12 jurors were selected to serve throughout the trial. Justice Kumar-Chetty addressed the jurors, informing them that their duty is to consider the evidence and determine whether Pahalad is guilty or not guilty.

State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards stated she will call five witnesses, including three police officers, to testify when the trial begins on Thursday.