BY Issah Olegor
A senior high school headmistress has been swindled out of GH¢560,000 in what police describe as a sophisticated visa and auction vehicle scam orchestrated by a woman with a history of fraudulent dealings.
Police say the accused, 38-year-old Priscilla Koduah—popularly known as Maame Kraa—allegedly convinced the educationist to part with the huge sum under the pretext of helping her acquire three auctioned vehicles and a travel visa.
According to investigators, Priscilla, a former employee of Newmont Ghana Limited, presented herself as having privileged access to government auctions and visa processing channels.
However, after collecting the full amount, the accused reportedly failed to deliver on either the vehicles or the visa.
The incident has left the headmistress, whose name is being withheld by authorities, both financially and emotionally devastated.
Further police investigations suggest that the headmistress may not be the only victim.
Detectives say Priscilla is believed to have defrauded several other individuals in similar schemes, with the total amount involved nearing GH¢4 million.
The fraud appears to have been part of a broader operation involving at least one known accomplice.
The accomplice, identified as Nana Yaw Stocks, is alleged to pose as both a National Security operative and an uncle to the accused in order to gain the trust of potential victims.
This impersonation, combined with staged introductions and convincing documentation, reportedly helped the duo create an air of legitimacy around their offers.
Police have arrested Priscilla, who is currently in custody, while efforts are underway to locate and apprehend her alleged partner.
Law enforcement sources caution the public to be wary of individuals claiming to have insider access to visas, vehicle auctions, or government contracts, noting that such scams have been on the rise in recent years.
