Fake doctor arrested for alleged visa fraud
· The GleanerA man who purported to be a medical doctor and allegedly fraudulently collected money to provide a US visa has been arrested and charged.
The accused has been identified as Andrew Clarke, a 57-year-old labourer of Spring Farm, St James.
Clarke is answering to charges of uttering forged documents, obtaining money by false pretence and possession of a forged document.
It is alleged that on November 7, the complainant visited the Spanish Town Hospital where he was informed by Clarke that he was a medical doctor at the institution.
The complainant was reportedly told that Clarke could secure a US visa for him at a cost of $200,000.
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The accused and the complainant allegedly met again some time after at the hospital, where Clarke collected the agreed sum.
A report was made to the Spanish Town police after the time agreed for the delivery of the visa elapsed and the complainant was unable to get in touch with Clarke.
The accused was arrested at the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was allegedly found with identification suggesting he worked with the South East Regional Health Authority.
Checks made by investigators reportedly revealed that Clarke was not a medical doctor.
A date is being finalised for his court appearance.
- Rasbert Turner