Two women charged in multi-million dollar cheque forgery cases

Two women were on Thursday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on separate high-value cheque forgery charges totalling over $24 million.
Both cases were called before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, and, though unrelated, the charges bear striking similarities in both alleged execution and legal defence.
Nicola Raupersaud was slapped with three charges in relation to the forgery of a Citizens Bank cheque totalling $8.5 million. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The first charge alleged that between July 1 and July 29, at Georgetown, Raupersaud conspired with unknown persons to forge a cheque in the sum of $8.5 million, purporting it was signed by B. Ferdinand.

The second charge stated that on July 29, at Camp Street and South Road, Georgetown, Raupersaud, with intent to defraud, offered the forged cheque in favour of Home Design and Engineering Inc. to Shantel Baptiste, knowing the document to be false.

The final charge alleged that on the same day and location, she forged the Citizens Bank cheque bearing the signature of the managing director of Home Design and Engineering Inc. and obtained the sum of $8.5 million upon the forged instrument.
Raupersaud was represented by Attorney Konyo Holder, who told the court that her client has been fully cooperative with police investigators.
Holder noted that Raupersaud previously faced a similar charge that was successfully dismissed and described the current case as a “fishing expedition” where a single alleged event has resulted in multiple charges.
Holder also assured the court that her client is not a flight risk and expressed her client’s willingness to surrender her passport. She requested that bail be granted in a reasonable amount.
Magistrate McGusty granted bail in the sum of $600,000 and ordered Raupersaud to lodge her passport with the court. The matter was adjourned until September 24, 2025.
Also appearing in court was 38-year-old housewife and mother of six, Sunita Henry, of Lot 138 King Edwards Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. She too was charged with three counts relating to cheque forgery, amounting to $15.5 million. Henry pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the charges, between July 1 and July 29, Henry conspired with unknown individuals to forge a Citizens Bank cheque in favour of S’M Service Station, purporting it was signed by M. Wilson.
The second charge alleged that on July 29, at Camp Street and South Road, Henry, with intent to defraud, uttered the same cheque to obtain funds in favour of S’M Service Station.
The third charge claimed that Henry forged the cheque with the intent of obtaining $15.5 million by falsely representing it as a legitimate instrument signed by M. Wilson, the owner of S’M Service Station.
Henry was also represented by Attorney Konyo Holder, who argued that all three charges stemmed from a single cheque transaction. She maintained that her client is not a flight risk, has no prior record, and is willing to comply with any court-imposed conditions. Holder signalled her intention to present deeper arguments on the validity of the charges at the next court date.
However, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing the serious nature of the offence. Prosecutors revealed that CCTV footage allegedly captured Henry at the bank presenting the cheque. They also referenced telephone records and audio-visual interviews in which Henry reportedly confessed to the offence. It was further disclosed that Henry had been in communication with a still-at-large co-conspirator.
The prosecution expressed concerns that due to the weight of the evidence against her, Henry may not return to court if granted bail.
Despite the objections, Magistrate McGusty reminded the court that the offences are bailable and granted Henry $200,000 bail on each of the three charges, totalling $600,000.
She was cautioned about the consequences of failing to return to court and was ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station on the last Friday of every month between 9:00 and 12:00.
Her case was also adjourned until September 24.