A Trinidadian national who allegedly faked his own kidnapping shortly after entering Guyana will know his fate at his next court appearance set for June 28.
Sawak Maraj, a 33-year-old chemical engineer who is currently on $1 million bail, stood before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess concluded his arguments in the case.
Magistrate Azore then set the ruling in the case for June 28.
It is alleged that on October 27, 2017, at Madewini Resort, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Maraj gave false information to the Police that he had been kidnapped and US$700,000 was demanded for his release. However, after a probe was launched into the alleged kidnapping, it was discovered that the “kidnapping” was staged.
He was also charged for conspiring with others on the same day and at the same location to commit a felony, that is, to obtain US$700,000 by false pretense.
Reports are that the Trinidadian arrived in Guyana and was scheduled to check in at the Ramada Hotel, Providence, but never showed up.
According to reports, the parents of the victim were contacted in Trinidad via cellphone by an unknown person who indicated that their son was taken hostage in Guyana and the money was demanded for his release.
A photograph of the man shirtless with a cutlass to his neck was sent to his parents as proof of his detention.
However, following investigations by the Police, the ranks swooped down on a house at Madewini Resort and found the man relaxing comfortably with his alleged accomplices. Detectives then began to unravel an apparent scheme by the man to extort money from his relatives.
