Fake ‘Customs officer’ using Daryl Vaz’s identity charged
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
A 31-year-old auto mechanic has been charged by the Kingston Western police with conspiracy to defraud and attempt to obtain money by false pretence in relation to an incident that occurred on Third Street, downtown Kingston on Wednesday, January 10.
He is Giovani Francis, otherwise known as ‘Geico’, a resident of Delmar district, Drax Hall, St Ann.
Reports from the Denham Town police are that around 3:10 p.m., Francis contacted a Portland businessman by telephone purporting to be Portland Western Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz.
While pretending to be Vaz in the conversation, Francis reportedly claimed he could purchase two Toyota Prado motor vehicles at an upcoming auction at a reduced rate. Francis reportedly further claimed that the only money the man should pay is the Customs and storage fees amounting to J$2.5 million.
The businessman then raised suspicion and decided to contact Vaz himself. The Portland Western MP reportedly confirmed that the activity was a scam and encouraged the businessman to contact the police.
A report was made to the police and Francis was arrested during an operation.
He was charged following a question-and-answer session in the presence of his attorney.
Francis’ court date is yet to be finalised.
In October of last year, Shawn Latham, a 35-year-old merchandiser of Kingston 19, pleaded guilty to using the identity of Vaz to defraud individuals of millions in cash.
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