A 34-year-old man of Kerebula Nadi appeared in the Nasinu Magistrate Court today charged with four counts of forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

Rakesh Kumar is alleged to have obtained close to $30,000 from about fifty people since 1996, under the name of a company registered Western New Timber Suppliers.

The court was told that Kumar lied to people that he would supply them hardware and obtained large sums of money in return.

The court was also informed that upon Police investigation it was found the company did not exist.

Rakesh pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been remanded in custody. The case has also been transferred to Lautoka pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, Police are also hunting for Kumar's elder brother who is alleged to have assisted him in registering the company.