'Geico' charged after pretending to be Daryl Vaz in motor vehicle scam

Giovani Francis, a mechanic from Drax Hall in St Ann, was arrested and charged over allegations he pretended to be government minister, Daryl Vaz, in a motor vehicle scam.

According to the Denham Town police, the 31-year-old contacted a man by telephone purporting to be Vaz, who is in charge of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport.

While pretending to be the minister— in conversation, Francis claimed he could purchase two Toyota Prado motor vehicles at an upcoming auction at a reduced rate.

Francis further claimed that the only money the man should pay is the customs and storage fees amounting to $2.5 million.

The would-be scam victim then raised suspicion and decided to contact the government minister, whom Francis was pretending to be.

After hearing this level of arrangement, the minister denied the claim that was levied against him— he also confirmed that this activity was a scam and encouraged the man to contact the police.

Subsequently, a report was made to the police and Francis was arrested during an operation.

He was charged with conspiracy to defraud and attempt to obtain money by false pretence after he underwent a question and answer session in the presence of his attorney.

His court date has not been finalised

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on Twitter @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.