A 28-year-old woman accused of defrauding multiple persons of millions of dollars in a house lot scam has been granted bail.
Areefa Paul, of Lot 721 Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, where she was arraigned on two charges of obtaining money by false pretence.
She pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000—$75,000 on each charge.
Charged: Areefa Paul
Paul was arrested last Thursday after one of her alleged victims spotted her at the Housing Ministry and alerted Police. According to police reports, Paul allegedly posed as an employee of the ministry and convinced three individuals to hand over a total of $4.8 million, promising to secure house lots for them.
Investigators revealed that Paul first made contact with her victims on Facebook before meeting them in person. The first victim, a 33-year-old hairdresser from Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD), allegedly paid her $1.6 million between November and December 2024 for a house lot at Montrose, ECD.
The second victim, a 23-year-old woman from Sophia, Greater Georgetown reportedly handed over $600,000 on July 18, 2024, after being promised a lot in the Young Professional Scheme at Le Ressouvenir, ECD. The third victim, a 49-year-old goldsmith from Sophia, allegedly paid Paul $2.6 million between January and September 2024 for a house lot at Le Ressouvenir, ECD.
The virtual complainants realised that they had been scammed when they failed to receive the promised house lots.
Following her court appearance on Monday, Paul was granted bail as police continue their investigations into the matter. Her next court appearance is April 14.
