Chinese businessman charged for forging passport

− released on 0,000 bail

A Chinese businessman was on Monday released on $400,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to a double immigration charge brought against him. The Prosecution is contending that Zhi Fang Xie, between February 1 and February 29, 2016, at Georgetown, conspired with person/persons to forge one Republic of Guyana visa and one Guyana Immigration stamp purporting to show that it had been issued by the Central Passport and Immigration Office.

The businessman’s lawyer, Paul Fung-A-Fat, in a bail application, told the court that it is not possible for his client to conspire with anyone due to the language barrier faced. He further told the court that his client is married and a father of one, adding that his passport is lodged with the Police, thus making him less of a flight risk.

The lawyer’s submissions were upheld and businessman was released on $400,000 bail for both charges. As a condition to his bail, Zhi Fang Xie has to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters twice per month. The businessman will appear before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on February 13, 2017 when the case will continue.