German money launderer refused bail

The Accra Fast Track High Court yesterday refused a bail application by counsel for the 42-year old German, Piera Cascante Victor-Hugo, who was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) by officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) for attempting to smuggle $650,000 out of the country.

The court, presided over by Mrs Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, refused the application on the grounds that counsel for the accused person, Mr Afenyo Markin, made it orally.

Mr Markin pleaded with the court to grant his client bail to enable him to seek proper medical attention, since he was suffering from diabetes and other health problems.

The judge said, “Put the bail application into writing”, adding that her court would not entertain oral bail application.

Hugo pleaded not guilty to four counts of attempted exportation of currency without licence issued by the Bank of Ghana, concealment of currency, contrary to Section 269 of the Customs, Excise and