A bearer who is accused of conspiring with gas-station pump attendants to steal more than $1.7 million from a company, had his $500,000 bail varied when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magis-trate's Court yesterday.

He is Andre Cope, who has been charged with counts of larceny as a servant and conspiracy to defraud.

Cope is to return to court on November 4, when the matter will be mentioned as the file is incomplete.

Allegations are that Cope was employed as a bearer at Jamaica Wells Limited, and had access to the company's motor vehicles' and fuel cards.

It is alleged that Cope conspired with gas-station pump attendants and used the company's fuel credit card to purchase petrol, and pocketed the cash.

remainded in custody

The prosecution suggested that the accused should have remained in custody as he conspired with others and, so far, he has been the only person been arrested.

Initially, when the matter was brought to court, the police reported that $443,600 was swindled. However, further investigations now reveal the figure to be in excess of $1.7 million.

Cope is to report to the Duhaney Park Police Station, twice weekly, and he is to also surrender his travel documents.