Financial Crime World

Cook Islands PM and Former Leader Face Fraud and Money Laundering Allegations in Court

In the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Mark Brown and former premier Henry Puna are currently standing trial on allegations of fraud and money laundering. The high-profile case has gripped the attention of the archipelago nation.

Background

Brown and Puna are accused of conspiring to arrange for two charter flights, funded from the public coffers, to transport winning candidates from the northern islands of Penryhn and Pukapuka to Rarotonga following the June 2018 general elections. The two successful politicians at the time were current Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau and Associate Minister of Justice Tingika Elikana.

Allegations and Charges

  • The flights, paid for from the Civil List budget managed by Parliament, raised eyebrows due to their exclusivity
  • An email from then Caretaker Finance Minister Mark Brown, requesting payment for the flights, was presented to the court
  • Approximately $US35,000 was spent on the charter flights
  • Charges against both men involve alleged breaches of:
    • Section 280 of the Crimes Act 1969
    • s 64(2)(d)(1) of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Act 1995-96

Witnesses and Prosecution

  • Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams QC is presiding over the case
  • The private prosecution was initiated by Rarotonga resident Paul Allsworth
  • A list of 19 witnesses has been summoned by the prosecution, including several Members of Parliament and former Members of Parliament
  • Witnesses include:
    • Deputy Prime Minister and Penrhyn MP Robert Tapaitau
    • Pukapuka MP Tingika Elikana
    • Former Penrhyn MP Willie John
    • Former Members of Parliament Teariki Heather and Kiriau Turepu
    • Finance Secretary Garth Henderson
    • Acting Police Commissioner Akatauira Matapo

Previous Attempts to Bring Case to Trial

  • The case was first brought before the High Court in 2019 by former complainant Teokotai George
  • However, just days before the trial was due to commence in 2020, the complainant instructed a new lawyer to withdraw the complaint

Current Trial

With this case being one of several notable trials presided over by Chief Justice Williams this month, the Cook Islands judiciary aims to clear a backlog caused by a year-long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.