Financial Crime World

Financial Crimes Soar in American Samoa: Larceny, Burglary and Assault Top the List

Introduction

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), financial crimes were rampant in American Samoa during fiscal year 2021. The most common offenses reported were larceny, burglary, and assault.

Part I Offenses: Larceny, Burglary, and Assault Lead the List

The DPS data, included in the American Samoa 2021 Statistical Yearbook, revealed a total of 222 cases of Part I offenses, which include eight crime categories:

  • Murder and non-negligent homicide
  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Burglary
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Larceny-theft
  • Arson

Larceny topped the list with 109 cases, followed by burglary with 55 cases, and assault (first and second degree) with 32 cases. These statistics represent a significant increase from fiscal year 2020, when there were:

  • 97 cases of larceny
  • 64 cases of burglary
  • 39 cases of assault

Part II Offenses: Fraud, Embezzlement, and Drug Abuse Violations Also See an Increase

Part II offenses, which include other types of crimes such as forgery and counterfeiting, fraud, embezzlement, and drug abuse violations, also saw a significant increase in 2021. The DPS reported:

  • 2,219 Part II offenses
  • A 22.3% increase from the previous year

Juvenile Crime Statistics

Juvenile crime statistics showed that assault and disorderly conduct were the leading offenses among young offenders. There were:

  • 35 Part I offenses (including larceny, burglary, and assault) reported among juveniles in 2021
  • 63 Part II offenses (including fraud, embezzlement, and drug abuse violations) reported among juveniles in 2021

Other Notable Statistics

Other notable statistics included:

  • Rape cases were reported for the first time in several years
  • Traffic accidents increased by 7.5% in 2021, with a total of:
    • 714 accidents reported compared to 664 in the previous year
    • One fatality and 24 injuries
  • Firearms registration data showed that:
    • 138 firearms were registered in 2021
    • A high percentage of pistol registrations
  • The Tafuna Correctional Facility inmate population remained steady, with an average monthly population of:
    • 258 in 2021 compared to 240 in the previous year
    • Over 50% of inmates were US nationals, followed by Samoa citizens and those from other countries
  • The High Court reported 328 cases filed in 2021, with most being criminal matters
  • 72 fires were reported in 2021, with most being residential fires