Taxi driver accused of forgery in $29M land scam granted bail

A 30-year-old taxi driver from West Coast Berbice has been granted bail after being charged with conspiring to obtain some $29 million by false pretense in two alleged land fraud schemes.

Jomo Campbell, of Lot 18, No. 5 Village, Berbice appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to commit a felony.

The prosecution alleges that between April 1st and May 22nd 2025, Campbell conspired with persons known and unknown to fraudulently obtain $13 million by forging documents related to Parcel 2404, Block 3, Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The alleged false documents were intended to falsely certify the authorisation to sell the land, resulting in a fraudulent financial transaction.

In the second matter, Campbell is accused of conspiring to obtain $16 million between February 28th and March 19th 2025, under similar circumstances. This charge relates to Parcel 2353, Block 3, also at Plantation Providence, EBD.

Campbell, represented by attorney Yuborn Allicock, denied the allegations and entered a not-guilty plea to both charges. His attorney emphasised that Campbell has no prior convictions or pending charges, and is a father of one in a common-law relationship.

Allicock further argued that his client is not a flight risk or a danger to society and has cooperated with investigators.

However, the prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns that Campbell may be involved in additional, ongoing investigations of a similar nature. The prosecutor told the court that Campbell conspired with others to forge legal documents to facilitate the illegal land sales, and warned that such actions cannot be taken lightly.

Despite the prosecution’s objection, the magistrate granted Campbell bail in the sum of $350,000 on each charge, totaling $700,000. As conditions of his release, he is required to surrender his passport and report every Friday to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The case has been adjourned to July 16, as investigations continue.