Two men to appear in court over alleged taxi permit scam

Two men who are allegedly involved in taxi permit scams will front the Nasinu Magistrates Court today.

Both have been charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception on three separate occasions.

Police say their M-PAiSA Task Force had investigated the first case where they arrested a 41-year-old man residing in Narere who is alleged to have on the 10th of November 2023, dishonestly obtained $260 from a member of public through the mobile money transfer app.

Police say the investigations revealed that the victim’s wife received a phone call from the accused stating that he was based at the Land Transport Authority's Lautoka branch and was calling regarding his application for a taxi permit.

They say the accused allegedly asked the victim to send $80 for the registration fees, and another $180 for the Town Council fees.

Police say the accused is alleged to have withdrawn the money and blocked all forms of communication with the victim.

Police further say a 44-year-old man residing in Nabua was charged after an investigation revealed that on the 12th of August 2023, he dishonestly obtained $721 from the victim to facilitate the processing of a taxi permit application.

After receiving the money, the accused cut off all communication with the victim.

In another case also involving the 44-year-old accused, it is alleged that on the 19th of July 2023, he called the victim stating her application for a taxi permit was being processed, and asked her to pay a fee of $344 and some extra for his kava.

Police say the victim sent $360, and after receiving the money, he switched off his phone.

Police say both the accused persons have been charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception.