Tonga’s Financial Criminals Face Justice: Forgery, Car Scams, and Passport Fraud

Women Sentenced for Financial Crimes

Koionia Latu ‘Ekuasi (32): Sentenced to three years in prison for financial crimes, including forgery and obtaining over $20,000 pa’anga by false pretenses during her sister’s wedding planning. The court also heard evidence of a criminal enterprise she orchestrated, defrauding at least three victims of approximately $20,000 each through a fake car dealer business over a 15-month period. (December 7, 2022)
‘Ana Toe‘umu Latu: Received a 17-month suspended sentence for obtaining about $20,000 pa’anga from three individuals by selling the same car under false pretenses. (May 5, 2021)
Malia Selupe (32): Sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding her car dealer customers of approximately $59,950 pa’anga through false pretenses. (April 9, 2021)

Cases of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses

New Car Scam: Tongan authorities are investigating a complaint of obtaining money by false pretenses filed by a victim who paid around $13,000 pa’anga for a new car but was scammed instead. (December 21, 2017)
Passport Scam: A 51-year-old man was arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses related to an alleged passport scam, promising to deliver authentic Tongan passports in exchange for payment but failing to do so. (January 23, 2017)
False Company Scam: A 59-year-old man from Vava’u was arrested and charged with obtaining goods by false pretenses for a false company that allegedly tricked people into giving their products to be sold under his company name. (February 20, 2015)

Authorities Crack Down on Financial Crimes

With increased awareness and proactive measures by law enforcement, the people of Tonga can safeguard their hard-earned money and protect themselves from financial scammers as the Tongan economy grows. Some of the financial crimes reported and investigated in recent years include:

Forgery
Car scams
Passport fraud

Remember, vigilance and awareness are key in preventing financial crimes. Always check the authenticity of sellers and businesses, and do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.